Radio show host Salifu 'Mugabe' Maase charged with publication of false news

The police have charged radio show host Salifu Maase a.k.a. Mugabe with the publication of false news and offensive conduct to breach public peace.

Mugabe went to court Tuesday morning where there was a tight security presence including riot control vans but the case could not be heard because the judge at the Accra Circuit Court where he was to be arraigned is attending a conference in Koforidua.

He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday April 3, 2019.

Graphic Online's court reporter Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson reported that there were many armed police personnel at the Accra Circuit Court premises.

Salifu Maase was at the court premises with a team of lawyers including Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Hawkson reported.

Salifu Maase had alleged on his radio show on XYZ that he had information on a planned threat on the life of Multimedia Group Limited investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni following the airing of the documentary – Militia in the Heart of the City on Joy News TV, which talked about how a private individual was using the former seat of government, the Osu Castle to recruit party vigilantes.

Related: VIDEO: Joy News 'militia" documentary misleading - Government

The Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service invited Salifu Maase to assist them with any intelligence he may have in connection with the alleged threats but according to the police, he told them he made the allegation "under the spirits."

Read also: Police invite Mugabe over alleged threat on Manasseh’s life

Addressing a press conference in Accra Tuesday, the CID Boss, DCOP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah said Maase has subsequently been charged with offensive conduct and publication of false news.

"Mugabe was invited to come and assist... he said he was under the spirits. Mugabe has been charged and he is before court. They went to court today but the judges are having a training programme," the CID boss said.

• Read also: 
• Montie 3 released from Akuse Prison - says lawyer
• Montie FM's Mugabe returns to the airwaves
• Montie FM, 3 others for Supreme Court Tuesday
• ‘Montie 3’ remission was lawful-Supreme Court rules
• Court to decide on judgement date for Montie trio pardon challenge
• Supreme Court had no power to jail Montie trio – Martin Amidu

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh