‘No one’s face is a warrant in this country' - Nitiwul criticises NIB over arrest attempt on Ntim Fordjour

The former Defence Minister has criticized the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). He described their actions as a disturbing overreach. This followed an attempt to arrest Assin South MP, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, at his home in Spintex, Accra. The arrest was attempted without a court-issued warrant.

Dominic Nitiwul spoke on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday. He shared that a colleague alerted him about the situation. The MP’s house was surrounded by operatives suspected to be from the NIB. Nitiwul counted over 15 police officers present.

As the Bimbilla MP and former Defence Minister, he rushed to the scene. He found it hard to believe such an event was happening in Accra. He felt he could help calm the situation due to his past role.

Upon arrival, he recognized several individuals involved in the operation. Many were people he had worked with before.

What shocked him most was an NIB official's justification for the arrest attempt. When he asked if they had a warrant, they replied no. The leading officer claimed that being senior was enough justification for them.

Nitiwul expressed disbelief at this statement, calling it dangerous and unlawful. Lawyers present disagreed with the officials' reasoning. They emphasized that no one can use their position as a reason to arrest someone without legal authority.

He clarified that while police can act on reasonable suspicion, this case did not meet that standard. They simply asked if there was an arrest warrant; the answer was no.

Nitiwul also raised concerns about how some operatives were dressed. Some appeared as plainclothes NIB officials with covered faces alongside police officers.

Despite knowing some of these key NIB actors personally, he did not expect such behavior from them. He believed they should uphold higher standards of conduct.

He reiterated that no one is above the law in this country. “Nobody’s face is a warrant,” he stated firmly.