The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed assertions by private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu that the institution is “investigating itself”, describing the allegation as false, misleading, and aimed at undermining ongoing inquiries.
In a statement issued by its Director of Strategy, Research and Communication, Sammy Darko, the OSP said the procedures currently underway are consistent with standard institutional practice and not self-serving, as Mr Kpebu has suggested.
The response follows the arrest of the lawyer on Wednesday for alleged obstruction during an encounter at the entrance of the OSP headquarters.
According to Mr Darko, Mr Kpebu’s claim that the case is being handled by junior officers is inaccurate and intended to cast doubt on the integrity of the investigative process.
“Mr Kpebu repeatedly misleads the public by claiming that those handling the case are junior officers. In reality, their ranks are equivalent to Deputy Commissioners of Police,” he wrote on Facebook.
He explained that internal fact-finding mechanisms exist across all public institutions and do not constitute self-investigation. “Police misconduct is not investigated by fire service officers, and GRA misconduct is not investigated by immigration officers. The principle is the same,” he said.
Providing its version of events, the OSP said tensions escalated at the facility’s gate when Mr Kpebu stopped to speak to journalists—a routine the office says he often performs.
After security personnel reminded him of restrictions on photography and videography, he allegedly became agitated.
“He reacted angrily to the reminder and insulted the guards… He insisted he could act as he pleased and threatened to report them,” Mr Darko stated.
Mr Kpebu was later granted bail. However, the OSP said the process was disrupted when one of his lawyers insulted officers and caused a scene, adding that she was removed from the premises without force.
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The OSP rejected claims circulating in sections of the media that the arrest was part of a trap set by the lawyer.
“The Office has not fallen for any trap. It has simply applied the law to protect its personnel and maintain order on its premises,” the statement read.
The office argued that the confrontation forms part of a pattern in which Mr Kpebu allegedly refuses to cooperate, questions the legitimacy of investigators, and creates delays.
“He refuses to cooperate, demands that certain officers be removed, gets his wish, and then introduces a new obstacle,” Mr Darko said.
The OSP stressed that the alleged obstruction case is distinct from the corruption allegations Mr Kpebu has made publicly against the Special Prosecutor. The lawyer has been directed to report to the OSP at 11 a.m. today to continue with the obstruction matter, while a separate date will be scheduled for the substantive inquiry into his allegations.
The office maintained that its actions have been lawful and professional, dismissing suggestions of political interference.
“Connections, public influence, or media prominence do not place anyone above the law,” the statement concluded.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
