Jubilation trails arrest of Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters at Kanda

The recent arrest of Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters has drawn significant attention and prompted strong reactions from residents of the Aurora Apartments in Kanda, near Jubilee House.

Residents have expressed relief over what they described as long-standing grievances involving Mr Peters, who has been living in the area for several years. Some residents alleged that his activities in the neighbourhood had created disturbances and called for authorities to intervene.

Mr Jacob Asamoah, a resident, stated that they had made multiple complaints to law enforcement about issues related to noise and congestion, and he welcomed the recent action by authorities. “We’re hopeful that this development will bring some peace to our community,” he said.

Mr Asamoah further alleged that some vehicles had been used to block the entrance to the apartments in recent times, causing inconvenience to other residents. These complaints reportedly contributed to the response by security personnel.

According to reports, Mr Peters was taken into custody following an operation involving the National Security, the Police, and other security agencies. The arrest was said to have followed a confrontation at the residence, though the specific circumstances remain under review. Videos circulating online appear to show a tense standoff, with individuals resisting arrest, although full details of the incident have not been officially confirmed.

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Mustapha Gbande, who was reportedly present during the operation, raised concerns about the nature of the vehicles and motorcycles found at the premises. He questioned whether such equipment should be in private hands.

Mr Peters, the owner of Nigeria-based Aiteo Group of Companies, has previously been linked to legal and political controversies in Nigeria. He was named in court proceedings brought by a civil society organisation requesting action from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misconduct. However, no conviction or formal charge has been publicly confirmed by Nigerian authorities.

In Ghana, his name surfaced during public discussions around the COVID-19 testing contract at Kotoka International Airport. At the time, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, raised concerns about the transparency of the contract between the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Frontier Healthcare Services. According to Mr Ablakwa, the GACL earned $10 per test, while Frontier reportedly generated significant revenue over the duration of the contract.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the full details surrounding Mr Peters’ arrest and any charges that may follow.

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