Bagbin: Security agencies don’t need my permission to arrest MPs

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has clarified that security agencies do not require his permission to arrest or invite a Member of Parliament for questioning, stressing that their only obligation is to formally inform his office of such actions.

Addressing Members of Parliament during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Alban Bagbin said there is a growing misconception that security agencies must first seek approval from the Speaker before acting against lawmakers.

He explained that his office’s role is limited to being notified of any incident involving an MP, including the circumstances and allegations that informed the action.

Mr. Bagbin further noted that the law does not require security agencies to obtain permission from the Speaker before apprehending or inviting an MP for questioning, adding that his office’s role is to assess whether parliamentary privilege or immunity applies in each case.

“It’s not for the security agents to seek my permission before arresting or inviting a member of parliament for questioning. It’s not. It’s for them to inform me and include the circumstances or the allegations that have created the suspicion,” he said.

The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussions over the legal protections afforded to Members of Parliament in criminal investigations.