Red Clay’s Ibrahim Mahama to Sue Police for Assault
Credit: Iddrisu Kumbundoo
Renowned Ghanaian visual artist has announced plans to take legal action against the over alleged physical assault by members of the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Black Maria.”
The incident is reported to have occurred on Saturday, March 21, after Ibrahim and his team were returning after attending Eid prayers to mark the end of the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mahama, founder of Red Clay, alleged that he and a family member were physically assaulted, arrested, and subjected to further abuse at the Sakasaka Police Station following a row over traffic flow.
According to him, the confrontation began when a bus transporting staff of the Red Clay and family members from Eid prayers was told by officers to move off the road to allow for the flow of traffic. With the road parked and nowhere to turn, the bus driver hesitated prompting the Special Ops team to begin issuing vile threats.
The situation escalated as threats moved to physical assaults with Ibrahim’s Uncle who was the bus driver being at the receiving end.
Ibrahim Mahama, also the owner of Nkrumah Volini and Savanna Center of Contemporary Arts narrated that he then attempted to record the incident on his phone, a move he said angered the officers, who demanded that he hand over the device. Upon his refusal, he alleged that the officers turned on him, slapping and punching him repeatedly.
He and the driver were subsequently arrested and taken to the Sakasaka Police Station, where they were subjected to further torture.
According to him, he sustained injuries to his ribs and lips, and that two of his teeth were broken during the incident.
He said the torture and accompanying injuries has disrupted his professional schedule, forcing the cancellation of international engagements in the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
He said the decision to pursue legal action is intended to seek justice and draw attention to what he described as police brutality.
“If someone like me, a public figure can be treated this way, then ordinary Ghanaians are not safe,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, the police denied any assault on the Artist and said he was only arrested after and he and his failed to follow instructions to allow for the clearance and smooth flow of traffic.
