Martin Kpebu cautions NIB over Gifty Oware-Mensah’s arrest

Following the arrest of former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority, Gifty Oware-Mensah, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has issued a warning to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

Lawyer Martin Kpebu stated on on TV3’s news analysis show, KeyPoint that if the investigative body tries to hold the suspect for more than 48 hours, they will be sued for violating her rights.

He urges the NIB to follow due process because, while he wants Gifty Oware-Mensah to face justice, he believes it is unjust for her to be held for more than 48 hours.

He claimed that if the NIB does not free Gifty Oware-Mensah or arraign her in court, he is prepared to represent her in court.

“If the NIB breaches the 48-hour rule, I will be happy to represent Gifty Oware-Mensah. As citizens, we all must jump in because we don’t know what could happen tomorrow,” he cautioned.

He added, “The fact that I want her to face justice doesn’t mean we should keep her beyond 48 hours. No, let’s not do that. It’s not worth it. She voluntarily returned to the country. If she intended to abscond, she wouldn’t have come back. So, once she is here, let’s follow due process.”

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Gifty Oware-Mensah was taken into custody by the National Intelligence Bureau in relation to a suspected payroll fraud at the National Service Authority.

Her arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a ghost-name scandal that has drawn national attention.

Following reports that she had gone into hiding, a video of Gifty Oware-Mensah landing at Kotoka International Airport surfaced on February 4, 2025.

Sources claim that she was in Morocco with the women’s national team while serving as the Management Committee Chair.