KEY POINTS
- Nitiwul expresses shock over the NIB’s attempt to arrest MP.
- Nitiwul questions the legality of the operation due to lack of a warrant.
- Legal experts challenge NIB’s claim of seniority as justification for arrest.
Former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has voiced his deep disappointment and disbelief over the actions of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Charles Alhassan Kipo, following an attempt to arrest Assin South MP at his Spintex residence in Accra.
According to MyJoyOnline, Nitiwul explained that he once personally entrusted Kipo with a significant government role and never expected him to authorize or be associated with such an incident. He also expressed his shock upon learning that the NIB had indeed dispatched operatives to the residence.
The Dramatic Incident at the MP’s Residence
Nitiwul recalled receiving an alarming call from a colleague, informing him that the house of the ranking member of the Defence and Interior Committee had been surrounded by people believed to be from the NIB, with over 15 police officers present.
Concerned about the situation, he rushed to the scene, using his prior experience as Defence Minister to assess the unfolding events and potentially de-escalate the situation. When he arrived, he confirmed the presence of NIB personnel, questioning the legality of their actions.
Unlawful Arrest Attempt and Legal Concerns
Upon arriving at the scene, Nitiwul confronted the operatives, asking whether they had an arrest warrant. Their response was negative.
Shockingly, the NIB official leading the operation claimed his seniority was enough justification for the arrest, asserting that his “face” served as a warrant.
This claim was immediately challenged by legal professionals present at the scene, who pointed out that no individual, regardless of rank, could arrest an MP or any citizen without legal grounds.
Nitiwul also expressed concern over the operatives’ conduct, noting that many of them were masked, and questioned the necessity of such secrecy during the operation.
