Nigerian businessman Ben Peters was arrested at Kanda, Ghana, with others in an operation involving National Security and police forces. Allegations against him include road obstruction, illegal vehicle siren use, and operating an unauthorized security agency. Contrasting reports from Nigerian media claim he was not arrested but rather assessed a traffic issue. Footage captures significant resistance from Peters’ security during the operation.
Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters, known as Ben Peters, was arrested along with approximately 25 others at Aurora Apartments, Kanda, near Jubilee House in Ghana. The operation was enacted by a coalition of National Security operatives, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces, under the direction of Richard Jakpa and Mustapha Gbande. Following his apprehension, Mr. Peters was transferred to the Greater Accra Regional Criminal Investigations Department for further questioning.
Following his arrest, Deputy Director Mustapha Gbande cited several allegations against Mr. Peters, listing them as follows: firstly, blocking a road; he allegedly obstructed access to the apartment complex via his vehicles and a group of armed guards, claiming access issues with the property owners. Blocking the road in this manner, according to Gbande, constituted a criminal act.
Secondly, the presence of police sirens on Peters’ vehicles raised legal concerns, as he was found to be unlawfully using sirens on his personal automobiles. According to the Road Traffic Regulations of Ghana, only specific vehicles—such as those belonging to the president, police, ambulances, and recognized security agencies—are permitted to use sirens.
Moreover, Peters was accused of operating an unauthorized private security service, which necessitates approval from the Minister of the Interior in Ghana. Additionally, Gbande reported that Peters was in possession of approximately 20 unregistered vehicles, and one vehicle was found to have a police motorcade devoid of a license plate.
The situation escalated when threats were made against law enforcement personnel attempting to execute the arrest. Gbande noted that approximately 60 to 70 of Peters’ security team confronted police officers, dressed in formal outfits. The intervention of National Security became necessary due to the potential for violence near a governmental site.
Reports have emerged suggesting the involvement of Ibrahim Mahama, a Ghanaian businessman, who reportedly assisted in securing Peters’ surrender after a prolonged standoff.
Contrary to the reports from Ghana, some Nigerian media outlets, such as Vanguard, have disputed the claims of Peters’ arrest, asserting that he was never detained or arrested but rather engaged in a cooperative manner. They described the incident as a misunderstanding related to a temporary traffic disruption rather than an arrest, adding that a senior police official implied that a traffic clearance operation rather than any criminal act was involved.
Emerging footage from the incident captured confrontations between Peters’ security team and Ghanaian security forces, illustrating the tension present during the operation. Videos showcased Mr. Peters’ fleet of vehicles equipped with sirens, underscoring allegations regarding the legality of their use and his private security arrangements.
The recent arrest of Ben Peters has sparked a significant discussion surrounding issues of legality, authority, and public safety. The allegations of road blocking, unauthorized use of sirens, and operating an unlicensed security firm raise serious concerns regarding Peters’ operations in Ghana. Furthermore, conflicting narratives from Ghanaian and Nigerian media highlight controversies over the accuracy of the event reports, suggesting the need for careful scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
