Law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he calls an excessive response in the arrest of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu.
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Mr Kpebu was arrested after reporting to the OSP headquarters.
The office cited alleged obstruction, claiming Mr Kpebu insulted security officers and hindered their duties, insisting the arrest was unrelated to his corruption allegations against Agyebeng.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, December 4, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua said the situation has been unnecessarily escalated.
“What I know is that Martin Kpebu is alleging corrupt practices against the Special Prosecutor and was called to provide information to aid the investigation. Suddenly, we hear of his arrest for allegedly obstructing justice. I fail to see the connection,” he said.
He added that while obstruction of justice, including verbal abuse of security officers, is an offence under criminal law, it is a misdemeanour, meaning a minor offence.
“So, he can be investigated and charged if necessary, but the steps taken, detaining him at the NIB are an overreach,” Prof. Appiagyei-Atua said.
“It risks giving the impression that Mr. Kpebu is being persecuted because of his criticism of the Special Prosecutor.”
He stressed that the case raises important questions about citizens’ rights to express themselves on national issues without fear of intimidation or harassment.