The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to investigate how civilians gained access to a suspect who was assaulted at a police station.

The directive follows a viral video showing a group of civilians physically assaulting a suspect while he was in police custody.

The victim had been arrested on Wednesday, August 12, over alleged derogatory comments against Prophet Mohammed.

His arrest was announced alongside that of an Imam who had allegedly called for violent attacks on anyone who would speak ill of the Islamic founder.

Following public backlash over the incident, the Police announced a manhunt for the man seen assaulting the suspect.

In an update on Thursday, the Police confirmed that one Sibamay Zakaria, who was seen in the video slapping the suspect, had been arrested and was in custody assisting investigations.

“The suspect is in custody assisting the investigation and will be put before the court,” the Police said.

The Minister has directed the IGP to investigate the circumstances under which the civilians gained access to the arrested person and identify any police personnel who may have facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody.

The directive was contained in a statement shared on social media by the Media Relations Officer at the Interior Ministry, Julius Kwame Anthony, on Thursday, August 13.

The Minister further directed the Police to “take immediate steps to identify, arrest and investigate the civilian persons involved in the assault, in accordance with the law.”

“The Minister further directs the police to deal with the persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour,” the statement said.