Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has declared his willingness to provide legal representation for former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority, Gifty Oware, if the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) infringes on her rights.
Kpebu’s remarks came as he reminded the NIB of its constitutional obligation to either release or arraign Gifty Oware within 48 hours of her arrest.
The NIB detained Gifty Oware on Friday, 7 March, over her alleged involvement in the Ghost Names scandal. She had returned to Ghana earlier in the week amid speculation that she would be arrested upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.
Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, 8 March, Kpebu stated: “If the NIB breaches the 48-hour rule, I will be happy to represent Gifty Oware. As citizens, we must all step in because we never know what could happen tomorrow.”
He further emphasised that due process must be followed, saying: “The fact that I want her to face justice doesn’t mean she should be detained beyond 48 hours. No, let’s not do that. It’s not worth it. She voluntarily returned to the country. If she intended to flee, she wouldn’t have come back. Since she is here, let’s ensure due process is followed.”
Kpebu also referenced a Supreme Court directive, highlighting that in 2020, the Chief Justice issued specific guidelines for law enforcement agencies on handling such cases.
“You go and see the registrar. By tomorrow, there will be a judge available. You don’t even need to wait until the 48 hours are almost up,” he advised.
He also cited past instances where courts in Ghana have held sessions on weekends and public holidays to address urgent cases, including those involving members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“You may recall that some recent NDC cases were heard on public holidays. I have personally been to court on Saturdays multiple times, including public holidays,” he noted.
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