NDC’s Commander Kanewu Jailed 10 Years For Inciting Violence

A Circuit Court in Accra has sentenced Mohammed Ibrahim, a branch organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from Sowutuom, to 10 years imprisonment for inciting violence and disseminating false information.

Judge Evelyn E. Asamoah delivered the verdict on November 29, 2024, after Ibrahim was found guilty of actions deemed harmful to public safety and peace.

Arrest and Charges

Ibrahim, who also claims to lead a revolutionary group called “Kanawu” (translated as “Speak and Die”), was apprehended on September 10, 2024. His arrest followed the circulation of a video on social media in which he made inflammatory statements.

In the video, Ibrahim accused the Ashanti Region Police Service of recruiting fake officers to commit violent acts against citizens during the December 7, 2024, general elections. He further issued threats of election-related violence and claimed knowledge of the residential address of Interior Minister Henry Quartey, threatening to harm him in the event of unrest.

He faced three charges:

1. Publication of False News with Intent to Cause Fear and Alarm
2. Threat of Harm
3. Offensive Conduct Conducive to Breach of Peace

Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Ibrahim was convicted on evidence presented by the prosecution.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

During the trial, which commenced on September 13, 2024, the prosecution presented testimony from three witnesses and submitted ten exhibits. The evidence included the incriminating video and testimonies linking Ibrahim to the threats and false allegations.

The court sentenced him to three years for the first count, three years for the second count, and four years for the third count, with the sentences to run consecutively.

Defense and Expedited Hearing

Ibrahim’s legal counsel, Francis-Xavier Sosu, had requested an expedited trial to ensure a swift resolution, which was granted. However, the court ultimately found Ibrahim’s actions and statements to be a severe threat to public order, warranting the maximum penalty under the law.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com