Police arrest two over alleged incitement and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed

The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the National Signals Bureau (NSB), has arrested two individuals over separate videos containing alleged inciteful and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed.

One of the suspects, identified as 35-year-old Masud Abdullah, an Imam, was arrested in connection with a video in which he allegedly made statements advocating violence against persons who speak ill of Prophet Mohammed.

According to the Police, information available to the Service indicates that the suspect made the comments while delivering a sermon at a mosque in Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.

In a related development, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) has arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, alias Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, over a separate video in which he was allegedly seen making derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed.

The Police said investigations into both cases are ongoing and the suspects will be taken through due process of the law.

The Ghana Police Service has meanwhile cautioned the public, particularly religious leaders, preachers, community leaders and social media commentators, against using freedom of religion or expression as a justification for inciting violence or encouraging people to harm others.

The Service stressed that inciteful statements that could provoke violence constitute offences and warned that persons who make such utterances would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Police urged the public to exercise responsibility when expressing religious or political views, particularly on platforms capable of reaching large audiences.