- Nitiwul expresses shock over NIB's attempted arrest of Assin South MP
- Questions legality of operation, as no arrest warrant was presented
- NIB official claims seniority is enough justification for arrest
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has voiced strong disappointment over the conduct of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) Director-General, following an attempted arrest of Assin South MP at his Spintex residence in Accra.
In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Nitiwul expressed disbelief, noting that he once entrusted NIB boss Charles Alhassan Kipo with a sensitive government role and never expected him to be linked to such an operation.
“He was my senior, and we worked closely. We once gave him a highly sensitive job in government. So, I wouldn’t have expected this from him,” Nitiwul said.
He confirmed that the NIB had indeed sent personnel to the MP’s home, after receiving a call from a colleague alerting him to the situation.
“I got a call saying the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee’s home was surrounded by suspected NIB operatives—over 15 officers. I went there myself to assess the situation,” he recounted.
As the former Defence Minister, Nitiwul felt compelled to intervene and help deescalate tensions, especially since he recognized some of the operatives involved.
“I couldn’t believe it at first, but given my background, I thought I could help calm things down. I knew many of the principal people on the ground,” he said.
Describing the scene as intense and troubling, Nitiwul questioned the legality of the attempted arrest. “The first thing I asked was if they had a warrant. They said no.”
What shocked him further was the justification offered by the lead NIB officer.
“He said he’s a senior officer and that alone was enough—his face was the warrant,” Nitiwul said, adding that lawyers present at the scene immediately rejected that claim.
“You can’t say being a senior NIB officer gives you the right to arrest an MP—or any citizen—without a warrant. Everyone has rights,” he emphasized.
He also raised concerns about the operatives’ appearance, noting that many non-police officers had covered their faces.
“Some of the NIB operatives were masked. I don’t know why,” he said.
While police officers were also present, Nitiwul underscored that any lawful arrest must follow due process.
“If the police had reasonable suspicion and acted accordingly with legal backing, that would be different. But when asked if they had a warrant, they admitted they didn’t.”
