KEY POINTS

• Dele Momodu debunked false arrest rumors about Nigerian billionaire Benedict Peters.
• He confirmed that Ghanaian authorities handled the situation professionally, easing tensions.
• The incident highlights the dangers of unverified news and the importance of accurate reporting.

Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, has debunked the widespread claims circulating on Ghanaian social media about the alleged arrest of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Benedict Peters. 

The reports suggested that Peters had been detained in Accra for allegedly deploying an “armed militia” to block access to a luxury residential estate near the Jubilee House.

In an Instagram post earlier today, Momodu called the allegations “overblown” and slammed the tendency to sensationalize stories involving Nigerians abroad. “Any news that bears Nigerian citizens in it often generates some hoopla and hysteria,” he remarked. “But as someone who knows Benedict reasonably well as a well-informed and unassuming businessman, I knew the lurid picture being painted of him was obviously littered with tarbrush.”

Vanguard reports that the incident, which stirred significant online buzz, was swiftly clarified by Momodu, who disclosed that he had personally spoken to Peters. 

The businessman, according to Momodu, confirmed that the Ghanaian authorities responded to the situation with professionalism and efficiency. “He said the Ghanaian authorities acted promptly, professionally and responsibly to douse the tension,” Momodu revealed. “This conduct reinforces Ghana’s reputation as a welcoming destination for investors and tourists.”

While official statements from Ghanaian security officials are still awaited, Momodu’s intervention may provide some much-needed clarity and help tone down the growing frenzy surrounding the incident.

The recent event highlights the importance of verifying facts before spreading unsubstantiated news, especially in the digital age where rumors can quickly escalate into a full-blown crises.

A calm and professional response from Ghanaian authorities

This clarification by Momodu emphasizes the calm response of Ghana’s authorities. Despite the sensational reports that painted a chaotic and dangerous scene, Peters affirmed that the situation was handled swiftly and with care, reinforcing the reputation of the country as a safe haven for business activities.

Benedict Peters is a well-established Nigerian businessman and the founder of Aiteo Group, one of Nigeria’s largest energy conglomerates, which further adds to his prominence on both local and international platforms.