Arrest of Nigerian Tycoon Ben Peters: Details and Repercussions

Benedict Peters, a Nigerian businessman, was arrested in Ghana along with 25 others during a security operation due to allegations including road blocking and illegal use of police sirens. The operation involved National Security and police, with reports of threats made by Peters’ security. Contrasting narratives have emerged from both Ghanaian and Nigerian media regarding the nature of the arrest, with videos appearing to show a confrontation at the scene.

Benedict Peters, a Nigerian businessman known as Ben Peters, was reportedly arrested in Ghana alongside approximately 25 others at the Aurora Apartments near the Jubilee House. The operation was executed by a joint team consisting of National Security operatives, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces, under the leadership of Richard Jakpa and Mustapha Gbande. Following the incident, Peters was taken to the Greater Accra Regional Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Mustapha Gbande provided a list of alleged crimes committed by Peters during various interviews. These include blocking a road to deny access to other residents, utilizing police sirens on private vehicles illegally, and operating an unsanctioned private security agency. Gbande stated that Peters had obstructed access using armed personnel, leading to the police being called in to address the issue.

Additionally, Peters is accused of possessing multiple vehicles equipped with police sirens and floodlights, which contravenes the regulations that only authorize specified vehicles to use such equipment. Gbande also claimed that Peters owned approximately 20 unregistered vehicles and a police motorcade that lacked identification.

The involvement of National Security escalated after it was reported that Peters’ security team threatened to shoot police officers attempting the arrest, prompting a swift response due to the nature of the threat near the government area. Gbande emphasized that there were around 60 to 70 of Peters’ security personnel present at the scene.

Reports also emerged regarding the involvement of Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama, who allegedly assisted security operatives in apprehending Peters after he initially resisted arrest. In contrast, Nigerian media outlets, such as Vanguard, reported that Peters had not been arrested but rather participated in a peaceful protest regarding access to his residence.

Despite these assertions, footage surfaced depicting confrontations between Peters’ security and law enforcement agencies, with evidence of vehicles fitted with police sirens attributed to Peters. The situation remains contentious as diverse narratives regarding the events continue to circulate.

The arrest of Benedict Peters in Ghana highlights significant legal and regulatory issues surrounding the operation of private security forces and the misuse of government resources such as police sirens. While the situation has been portrayed differently in various media reports, the involvement of high-ranking security officials underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Peters. The event raises critical questions about authority, compliance, and the role of private security in Ghana.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com