Arrest of Nigerian Tycoon Ben Peters: Current Status and Allegations

Nigerian businessman Ben Peters was arrested at the Aurora Apartments by a joint security team based on allegations including road blockage, illegal use of police sirens, and operating an unregistered security agency. Reports regarding his arrest have sparked debate, with some media disputing the incident as a routine traffic obstruction. Videos surfaced showing a confrontation between Peters’ security and law enforcement during his apprehension.

Benedict Peters, a Nigeria-based businessman known as Ben Peters, was arrested alongside approximately 25 others at the Aurora Apartments in Kanda, near the Jubilee House, by a joint force of National Security operatives, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces. The operation was conducted under the leadership of Richard Jakpa and Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Office of the President.

Following his arrest, Mr. Peters was taken to the Greater Accra Regional CID for further interrogation. Mustapha Gbande detailed several alleged crimes attributed to Peters during interviews following the incident. These accusations include blocking a road, the use of police sirens on personal vehicles, operating an unauthorized security firm, and possessing unregistered vehicles as well as a police motorcade without a number plate.

Specifically, Peters reportedly blocked the entrance of his apartment complex using his vehicles and armed security personnel to deny access to other residents after a dispute over room keys. Gbande affirmed that blocking public access is a criminal offense in Ghana.

Additionally, Peters was found using vehicles equipped with police sirens, which are reserved for official use such as emergency services and government officials. The Deputy Director insisted that such use of sirens by private citizens is illegal under Ghanaian law. Peters is also accused of operating a security firm without appropriate authorization from the Minister of the Interior.

Moreover, it was claimed that Peters possessed around 20 unregistered vehicles and a police motorcade lacking proper identification. Gbande noted that the involvement of National Security was necessitated by threats from Peters’ security team towards the police officers who attempted to enforce the law regarding the blockage.

Reports indicate that Peters resisted arrest and sought refuge during the confrontation but was ultimately apprehended after intervention by Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama. Conversely, certain Nigerian media outlets, including Vanguard, refuted these claims, asserting that Peters had not been arrested and characterized the incident as a minor traffic obstruction.

Videos circulated on social media depicted tensions between Peters’ security team and the National Security operatives, illustrating the measure of resistance encountered during the arrest. As additional footage surfaced, it showed vehicles equipped with police sirens that were reportedly connected to Peters, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his status and actions in Ghana.

In summary, the arrest of Nigerian businessman Ben Peters has generated significant discussion, particularly concerning the legality of his actions and response to law enforcement. Allegations against him include road obstruction, the unauthorized use of police sirens, and the establishment of an unlicensed security entity. Despite claims of his arrest being disputed by some media outlets, the involvement of Ghana’s National Security indicates serious concerns regarding his conduct and compliance with local laws.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com