Nigerian Businessman, 25 Others Arrested Near Jubilee House for Blocking Road to an Estate

A Ghana-based Nigerian businessman, Ben Peters, was arrested on Monday, April 7, by National Security operatives near Jubilee House, Ghana’s presidential office, for allegedly blocking access to a high-security estate in Kanda, Accra — an area that houses several diplomats, including the Spanish Ambassador and his family.

According to Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at Jubilee House, Peters led a group of about 60 to 70 individuals, some of whom were armed and dressed in black suits with sirens mounted on their pick-up trucks, to obstruct the main entrance to the estate for over three hours, claiming unresolved disputes with the estate developer.

“I was wondering why a private individual would have such power in our country to flout our laws, act with impunity, and render citizens helpless. It is unlawful, so he was handed over to the police for further questioning,” Mr Gbande said in an interview on JoyNews’ Pulse.

The dramatic standoff reportedly disrupted residents, including high-profile diplomats, prompting immediate intervention by National Security and the Greater Accra Police Command. Peters and 25 others, including a white man found in his apartment, were arrested.

Motorbikes and an SUV were reportedly discovered at the scene, with attempts made to forcibly remove Peters from one of the estate apartments.

Initial media reports suggested that Peters resisted arrest until Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Mahama, arrived and mediated. However, Mr Gbande denied this version.

“The brother of the president was not there; rather, Peters was overpowered with extra force from the Greater Accra Police Command,” he clarified.

When questioned about the motive, Peters claimed he owned several apartments within the estate and blocked the road due to the developer’s alleged refusal to give him “extra keys” to the facilities.

“He said the developer had refused to provide him with access keys, and this was his way of drawing attention,” Gbande said.

The incident, however, has sparked wider concerns about security and the influence of foreign businessmen in Ghana.

In a startling revelation, Mr Gbande alleged that Ben Peters had previous ties to the Akufo-Addo administration, stating:

“Allegedly, this is the man who President Akufo-Addo used to run the COVID infrastructure project. He was the one managing the office and handling COVID infrastructure—the same individual everyone was paying.”

Although this claim is yet to be independently verified, it raises serious questions about past contractual arrangements and oversight.

Gbande expressed firm disapproval of the incident and called for a stricter stance on foreign nationals who undermine Ghana’s sovereignty.

“We cannot allow foreigners to treat us with such disregard. We shouldn’t run a country where individuals can hold an entire community to ransom.”

The arrested individuals remain in police custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, National Security is expected to brief the presidency and relevant diplomatic missions, given the proximity of the incident to Jubilee House and its impact on resident diplomats.

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