The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a man captured in a viral video assaulting a handcuffed pastor, Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, who was arrested over alleged derogatory and offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
In the video obtained by ChroniclesReporters, the pastor is seen standing with his hands handcuffed when a man dressed in traditional clothing emerges from behind him and slaps him.
The unidentified man initially remains behind the pastor before walking away from the scene following the assault.
The Ghana Police Service, in a statement issued on Thursday, condemned the incident and announced that it had intensified efforts to identify and arrest the man seen assaulting the detained pastor.
“The Ghana Police Service has commenced a manhunt for a man captured in a viral video assaulting a suspect,” the Police said.
“The Service strongly condemns the incident and has intensified efforts to arrest the suspect and put him before the court.”
The Police further disclosed that investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault and identify all persons who may have been involved.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident is also being investigated and all persons found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law,” the statement added.
Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, had earlier been arrested by the Ghana Police Service’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team after he was captured in a video allegedly making derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad.
The specific remarks allegedly made by Adjei were not disclosed in the Police statement on the assault.
In a separate development, the Police also arrested a 35-year-old Imam, Masud Abdullah, over a video in which he allegedly advocated violence against people who insult or speak ill of Prophet Muhammad.
Abdullah reportedly made the statements while delivering a sermon at a mosque in Ntensere, in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
The arrests have heightened concerns over the use of religious sermons and social media platforms to make statements capable of provoking tension, inciting violence or encouraging members of the public to attack others.
The Ghana Police Service has maintained that such matters must be handled through lawful procedures rather than physical retaliation or vigilante action.
The assault on the handcuffed pastor has also raised concerns about the treatment of suspects and the need for authorities and members of the public to respect the rights of persons in custody.
By launching a manhunt for the assailant, the Ghana Police Service has made clear that alleged offensive religious remarks do not provide justification for assaulting a suspect.
The Police said the unidentified assailant would be brought before the court once arrested and that all persons found culpable in connection with the incident would face the law.
Investigations into the cases involving Adjei and Imam Abdullah remain ongoing, with the Police assuring the public that all suspects would be subjected to due process.