The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), headed by Kissi Agyebeng, has issued a statement to correct misinformation surrounding a human rights lawsuit filed by Jacob Kwamina Amuah, the second accused in the GH₵280 million National Petroleum Authority (NPA) corruption case.
Contrary to media reports claiming that the lawsuit alleges GH₵1.3 billion was extorted from Amuah by the OSP, the agency states that the case is strictly about Amuah’s attempt to stop the use of his interrogation statements in the ongoing trial.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to the OSP, Amuah has filed a civil suit at the Human Rights Court, claiming that his fundamental rights were violated during his arrest and detention.
In his affidavit, Amuah alleges:
- His legal counsel and the lawyer’s associate conspired with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the OSP to orchestrate his arrest.
- He was held by the NIB beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit before being transferred to the OSP.
- His statements were taken while he was in poor health and not mentally fit, which he claims affected his ability to give proper testimony.
- His lawyer and associate extorted money from him under the guise of legal services.
- He informed the OSP about the alleged extortion during his time in custody, but no action was taken.
Amuah is asking the Human Rights Court to:
- Bar the OSP from using his caution and investigative statements.
- Declare his detention by the NIB unconstitutional.
- Award him damages for the alleged abuse of his rights.
OSP’s Response
The OSP emphasized that the lawsuit is not related to any allegation of financial extortion by its officers. Instead, it revolves solely around Amuah’s claims regarding how his arrest, detention, and interrogation were handled.
In August, Amuah and nine others were charged by the OSP with crimes including extortion and money laundering involving more than GH₵280 million. The criminal proceedings are currently ongoing at the Criminal High Court in Accra.
Source: mynewsgh
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