Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has alleged that he was verbally abused by a soldier stationed at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) during a visit to the institution on Wednesday, December 3.
Speaking in a media interview after his release from detention, Mr Kpebu recounted a confrontation he said occurred as he returned to the OSP to continue processes requested by investigators.
According to him, the soldier confronted him without cause.
“I was walking back to the OSP’s office when a soldier, and I don’t know what a soldier was doing performing police duties, said that the next time you come and pack your car here, I will not allow you,” he said.
Mr Kpebu said he resisted what he viewed as an unlawful attempt to restrict his movement.
“So I replied that no, you can’t do that because I am not a suspect or an accused person. I’m here to assist the OSP, so you can’t curtail my right like that.”
He added that another soldier joined in and issued threats.
“Another soldier shouted, saying that ‘as for me, if you come and do that, I will show you.’ So I gave him the same response, that he can’t stop my right.”
Mr Kpebu claimed the exchange escalated when one of the soldiers insulted him.
“He said, ‘You’re a stupid man,’ and I also told him that he is stupid because how can a soldier insult someone? First of all, you’re not a policeman,” he said.
The lawyer questioned why soldiers were stationed at the OSP in the first place, insisting their presence was unnecessary and intimidating.
“If the OSP building is in danger, do you think we need soldiers to protect it? OSP dressing soldiers and stationing them at the gate to put fear into people. He’s using this vigilante mentality to create fear,” he argued.
Mr Kpebu maintained that soldiers should not be deployed for routine policing duties and called for clarity on their role at the OSP.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has provided a blow-by-blow account of Wednesday’s incident, insisting that Mr Kpebu’s arrest was lawful and free from any political or personal motive.
According to a statement posted by the OSP’s Director-SRC, Sammy Darko, on social media on Thursday, December 4, Mr Kpebu caused an obstruction after ignoring security instructions upon arrival at the premises.
Read Also: OSP details events leading to Martin Kpebu’s arrest; denies falling for ‘trap’