Lawyer condemns arrest of Martin Kpebu as “unnecessary show of power”
Speaking to Channel One News, Marcellinus Biah said Kpebu had reported to the OSP around 14:00 GMT to assist with investigations into allegations he had made against the institution.
The lawyer for private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he describes as an excessive display of authority during his client’s detention on Wednesday.
Speaking to Channel One News, Marcellinus Biah said Kpebu had reported to the OSP around 14:00 GMT to assist with investigations into allegations he had made against the institution.
According to Biah, delays in the process led Kpebu to step outside the premises, where he granted an interview to journalists. The confrontation with security personnel reportedly began when he attempted to re-enter the compound.
Biah recounted that a police officer objected to the media engagement, prompting Kpebu to insist he had broken no rule since the interview took place outside the OSP facility.
Kpebu is said to have attempted filing a formal complaint about the encounter, but was informed the complaints desk was unavailable at the time.
When the pair later appeared before an enquiry panel, Biah said they were unexpectedly informed that Kpebu had been placed under arrest.
Biah added that officers demanded a landed property in Kpebu’s name and one surety as part of bail requirements.
He said he left briefly to retrieve the necessary documents from Kpebu’s office, but on his return was informed that his client was no longer on the premises.
Describing the situation as troubling for a democratic society, Biah urged the public to speak out.
Mr Martin Kpebu has meanwhile been released.
