A Nigerian businessman based in Ghana, Ben Peters, was arrested by National Security operatives on Monday, April 7, 2025, for allegedly leading a group that blocked a key road near the Jubilee House in Accra.

The incident occurred near an estate in Kanda that houses several diplomats, including the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana and his family.

According to Deputy Director of Operations at the Jubilee House, Mustapha Gbande, Peters and about 25 others were detained for obstructing access to the estate for more than three hours in what he described as a deliberate act rooted in a private business dispute.

Mr. Gbande said the group—reportedly numbering between 60 and 70 people—arrived in convoy-style, with some dressed in black suits and white shirts, and sirens blaring from their pick-up trucks.

"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," he stated.

"It is unlawful, so he was handed over to the police for further questioning."

He disclosed that Peters was accompanied by armed men posing as private security, and that during the arrest operation, security officials found police motorbikes and an SUV allegedly intended to escort Peters from one of the apartments within the estate.

When questioned about his actions, Peters claimed he owned several units in the estate and resorted to blocking the road after the estate developer allegedly denied him access to extra keys for the facilities.

"About 20 to 25 individuals were arrested, including Ben Peters and a foreign national found in his apartment during the operation," Mr. Gbande confirmed.

Initial reports suggested that Peters resisted arrest until the arrival of Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Mahama, before eventually surrendering.

However, Mr. Gbande dismissed those claims, stating that it was the intervention of the Greater Accra Police Command that led to Peters being subdued.

Responding to questions about Peters' business dealings, Mr. Gbande revealed that Peters had previously been linked to the management of Ghana’s COVID-19 infrastructure project under former President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

"Allegedly, this is the man who was managing the COVID infrastructure office—handling payments and logistics during that period,” he said.

Mr. Gbande concluded by condemning the incident, emphasizing that Ghana cannot permit foreign nationals to violate its laws or undermine national security.

“We shouldn't run a country where individuals can hold an entire community to ransom,” he stressed.