Police arrest imam, preacher over alleged offensive religious comments

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two persons over separate incidents involving alleged religious incitement and offensive comments.

The suspects are Masud Abdullah, a 35-year-old Imam, and Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei.

Their arrests were carried out with support from the National Signals Bureau and the Police Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team.

In the first case, police said Masud Abdullah was arrested over a video in which he allegedly called for violence against persons who speak ill of a revered religious figure.

According to the Police, the comments were allegedly made during a sermon at a mosque at Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.

In a separate case, Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei was arrested by the Police Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team.

Police said he was arrested over a video in which he was allegedly seen making derogatory and offensive religious comments.

The Service said investigations into both cases are ongoing.

It added that the suspects will be taken through due process.

The arrests have prompted a fresh caution from the Police to religious leaders, preachers, community leaders and social media commentators.

The Police warned that freedom of religion and freedom of expression must not be used to incite violence or encourage attacks against others.

It said comments that incite violence amount to offences and persons who engage in such conduct will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Service also urged the public to be responsible when commenting on religious and other sensitive matters, especially on social media.

It said public commentary must be exercised in a manner that preserves peace, public order and respect for the rights of others.