Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticized EOCO’s attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court saying lawyers should not be arrested while performing duties in court and it is even more serious when the person is a sitting Member of Parliament. The incident occurred during proceedings linked to the Ghana Jollof case involving Madam Salomey Awiti Bafouh.
According to Martin Kpebu, the Manhyia South MP was justified in driving off because the EOCO officer did not show any identification and the approach to his arrest was procedurally wrong. He argued that such enforcement inside court precincts undermines judicial decorum and parliamentary privilege.
Kpebu noted that the original EOCO letter dated 10th February 2026 was addressed to the Senior Partner of Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners to assist investigations into SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. The MP referred it to the Clerk to Parliament on 18th February 2026 and a lawful representative honoured invitations on 4th March, 18th March and 30th April 2026 with a formal written statement filed on 30th April.
The private lawyer stressed that arresting counsel in court creates chilling effect on legal representation especially in high profile matters like Ghana Jollof war. He called on EOCO to follow laid down procedures including proper identification and notification to Parliament’s Clerk.
In Ghana legal system, courtroom immunity protects lawyers on duty while EOCO derives powers from Economic and Organised Crime Office Act. Similarly, CSSPS ensures computerised transparent placement for BECE graduates, WASSCE grading applies A1 to F9 benchmarks for university entry, Free SHS absorbs tuition, Energy Commission licensing enforces wiring safety, and anti Galamsey laws under Minerals and Mining Act protect rivers from illegal mining.
Kpebu urged security agencies to uphold professionalism to preserve public confidence in justice administration as EOCO says it has identified two persons who allegedly helped the MP escape.
Source: #Howedey.com
Call or WhatsApp +233 20 2190 250 and share your story.
Author: Korkor Anumu
