Arrest of Nigerian Businessman Ben Peters: Key Developments and Allegations

Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters was arrested alongside 25 others at Aurora Apartments, led by National Security and local police. He faces allegations of road blockage, illegal siren usage on personal vehicles, and operating an unauthorized security agency. Conflicting media reports cast doubt on the arrest’s nature, but video evidence indicates significant tensions during the incident.

Benedict Peters, a Nigerian businessman residing in Ghana, was apprehended along with approximately 25 individuals at the Aurora Apartments located near the Jubilee House. The arrest was executed by a collaborative unit comprised of National Security personnel, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces, spearheaded by Richard Jakpa, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, alongside Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy Director of Operations at the Office of the President.

Following his arrest, Mr. Peters was transferred to the Greater Accra Regional Criminal Investigations Department for further questioning. According to Mustapha Gbande, several alleged offenses were cited against Peters. Initially, he is accused of blocking a road, having used his vehicles and reportedly armed men to impede access for other residents, as a dispute arose over access to certain apartment rooms.

Gbande further indicated that Peters had unlawfully employed police sirens on several of his vehicles, which contravenes Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations that restrict the use of sirens to specified categories of vehicles, such as those belonging to recognized security agencies and emergency services. Reports also stated that Peters possessed vehicles equipped with floodlights and sirens.

Moreover, he is suspected of operating an unauthorized security agency, which requires oversight and authorization from the Minister of the Interior under Ghanaian law. It was also reported that Peters owned about twenty unregistered vehicles and a police motorcade lacking a registration plate.

The urgency for National Security’s involvement was attributed to reported threats made by Peters’ security personnel against police officials attempting his arrest. Gbande noted that such threats prompted the need for National Security intervention due to the potential for escalation into violence close to governmental offices.

A report suggested that Mr. Peters initially resisted arrest for several minutes but was ultimately apprehended after Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama appeared at the scene. Contrasting reports from Nigerian news outlets, including Vanguard, claimed that Peters was not arrested; rather, they stated he had engaged in a peaceful protest after being denied access to a private lift, and characterized the incident as a routine traffic issue, denying any detainment occurred.

Subsequent videos surfaced depicting confrontations between Peters’ security personnel and law enforcement, showcasing the struggle against attempts to execute the arrest, which contradicted claims of a peaceful resolution. These developments continue to unfold as further details emerge from the involved parties, indicating a complex situation surrounding the businessman’s actions.

In summary, the arrest of Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters encompasses several alarming allegations, including road obstruction, illegal use of police sirens, and the operation of an unauthorized security team. While the incident has been characterized by various narratives, including conflicting reports from Nigerian media, it highlights the intricate nature of legal compliance and security in Ghana. The involvement of multiple security agencies signifies the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications for Peters moving forward.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com