The Inspector General of Police’s Special Operations Team has arrested a man who claims to be a pastor for allegedly possessing firearms, ammunition, and police accoutrements without lawful authority.
The arrest, carried out in Gumani, a suburb of Tamale, follows intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing misinformation and strengthening security in the Northern Regions.
The Inspector General of Police Special Operations Team, led by DSP Bawah Jalil, has arrested Pastor John Abu Alhassan at Gumani in the Northern Region for the alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to a police report, the arrest followed intelligence assessments after the team came across a video in which the Banvim Chief was seen making public claims that the Special Operations Team had invaded his palace.
Police say the allegations contradicted the facts on the ground, and in the same video, the suspect was accused of spreading falsehoods by misrepresenting the mandate of the IGP’s team and linking recent developments to longstanding chieftaincy disputes in Dagbon.
Further intelligence revealed that the suspect was allegedly in possession of firearms and ammunition without lawful authority.
Following surveillance, the Special Operations Team traced him to his residence in Gumani, where he was arrested.
A search conducted at the time of arrest led to the recovery of a locally manufactured pistol, eleven live AA cartridges, and several police accoutrements, including a police riot control helmet, a police raincoat, and a pair of shorts made from police material.
The suspect, who identified himself as a pastor, was handed over to the Sakasaka Police Station for detention, further investigations, and prosecution.
Police say he will face charges including false publication and incitement against law enforcement officers, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and illegal possession of police accoutrements.
All exhibits retrieved have been secured for evidential and investigative purposes.
Leader of the Special Operations Team, DSP Bawah Jalil, assured the public that the team remains committed to maintaining law and order and countering misinformation, emphasizing that persons involved in criminal activities will be dealt with according to the law.
He noted that the IGP’s Special Operations Team continues to carry out special assignments across the five Northern Regions to ensure peace and security.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
