Public trust crisis around Special Prosecutor is fueling attacks on OSP – Kpebu

Renowned legal expert Dr. Martin Kpebu suggests that the mounting criticism against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) may be partly attributable to the declining public confidence in the individual currently holding the position. In an interview on Joy News' PM Express, Mr. Kpebu pointed out that the actions and leadership style of the Special Prosecutor could blur the line between the institution and its occupant, making it challenging for the public to differentiate the two.

He emphasized that the head of an institution often becomes its public face, ultimately affecting how people perceive the whole organization. Kpebu noted that the occupant, as the chief executive, serves as the primary ambassador of the organization, thereby directly influencing public opinion. He suggested that if the occupant's conduct erodes public trust, it becomes increasingly challenging to separate the OSP from the person in charge.

Dr. Kpebu criticized the original OSP Act for assuming that the occupant would always act appropriately, highlighting that the lack of foresight in drafting the legislation could have been a mistake. He also stressed the need for improved checks and balances to rein in the occupant's actions and protect the institution's reputation.

The OSP recently faced a significant ruling from the Supreme Court on July 29, 2026, which upheld its constitutionality and prosecutorial powers. The court rejected challenges to the OSP's mandate and affirmed the Attorney-General's authority over the agency. Following this decision, Kpebu advocated for stronger oversight mechanisms, emphasizing that the OSP specifically requires adult supervision due to its poor performance in recent cases.