The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 35-year-old Imam, Masud Abdullah, over alleged inciteful comments he made during a sermon concerning Prophet Mohammed.
The arrest follows public condemnation of the remarks, including from Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, who called for the Imam to be arrested over the alleged statements.
According to the Police, Abdullah was arrested in a joint operation with the National Signals Bureau (NSB) after a video emerged in which he allegedly advocated violence against people who speak ill of Prophet Mohammed.
The Police said the comments were allegedly made while Abdullah was delivering a sermon at a mosque at Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.
The arrest has also drawn attention to the distinction between defending religious beliefs and making statements that could encourage violence. Sheikh Aremeyaw has condemned the alleged utterances and called for the matter to be handled through the law.
The Police have meanwhile cautioned religious leaders, preachers, community leaders and social media commentators against using freedom of religion or expression to justify incitement or calls for violence.
Investigations are ongoing, and the Police said the suspect will be taken through due process.
In a related development, the Police Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team also arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, alias Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, over a separate video in which he allegedly made derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
