Security Analyst Adib Saani has raised concerns about the manner in which Salomey was arrested, stressing that allegations against a suspect do not justify disregarding proper arrest procedures.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Adib Saani said the police told the court that Salomey allegedly attacked Angel Dizon, a collaborator involved in helping people, and was also allegedly involved in recruiting others to circulate material produced by Ghana Jollof.
However, he said the controversy surrounding the case goes beyond the allegations and centres largely on the manner in which the arrest was conducted.
According to the family’s account, security officers arrived at Salomey’s house very late at night and took her away, leaving relatives struggling to establish where she had been taken.
Mr Saani said when security officers carry out an arrest, they must identify themselves to the person being arrested.
He explained that this is important because without proper identification, people could be vulnerable to being taken away by individuals who falsely present themselves as security officers.
He added that officers should also inform the person being arrested of the reason for the arrest.
Mr Saani further said the family of an arrested person deserves some form of communication indicating where their relative has been taken, particularly because families need to know the whereabouts of their loved ones.
He acknowledged that there may be exceptional circumstances, particularly in matters involving national security, where some aspects of the process could be handled differently.
However, he maintained that this should not necessarily mean that the family is left without information about where their relative has been taken.
Mr Saani also stressed the importance of the arrested person being able to exercise legal rights, including having access to legal representation.
He said the concerns should not be understood as an attempt to dismiss the allegations against Selome, but rather as a call for proper procedures to be followed when security officers effect arrests.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
