The Ghana Police Service has arrested Sibamay Zakaria, a man captured in a viral video assaulting a detained pastor.
The arrest follows a viral incident involving a Christian pastor who was arrested for allegedly insulting Prophet Mohammad, a revered prophet of the Islamic religion.
While in handcuffs at the Ghana Police CID headquarters, a civilian, believed to be a Muslim, was captured on video slapping the detained pastor, sparking widespread public condemnation and calls for an investigation into the security breach and assault.
According to the Ghana Police Service, Zakaria is currently in custody and is assisting with investigations into the incident.
The Police Service in a statement, said its Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It gave the assurance that all persons found culpable will be taken through the necessary disciplinary processes.
According to the statement, Zakaria remains in custody, assisting with investigations.
He will subsequently be arraigned before the court where the appropriate legal proceedings will take place.
The arrest follows a statement issued by the Interior Minister, condemning the act and directing the Inspector General of Police to act in bringing the culprits to book.
The Ministry said the incident was particularly concerning because it followed statements attributed to persons on both sides of a religious dispute, including calls for violence against individuals considered to have offended religious sensitivities.
The Ministry unequivocally condemned such statements, saying there was no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims or any other person based on religion.
It also stressed that an allegation of a breach of law, “however serious”, did not give any person the right to assault a suspect in police custody.
“An arrested person is in the custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the State,” the Ministry said.
Read the full statement:
