Handcuffing Obinim shameful - Ken Attafuah

Criminologist Dr Ken Attafuah has lashed out at personnel of the Ghana Police Service for handcuffing Bishop Daniel Obinim when he submitted himself to the law enforcement agency.

The controversial founder and leader of the International God’s Way Church was chained at the Police Headquarters over allegation that he defrauded a business man in the sum of Gh¢11.6 million and publicly flogging two of his church members.

Dr. Attafuah, who was once a commissioner at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), jabbed the police hierarchy for going overboard, describing what Obinim went through as “a degradation ceremony.”

The Human Rights advocate who did not mince words during an interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Thursday, opined: “It was unnecessary to handcuff him.”

Dr. Attafuah emphasised the drama which characterized Obinim’s arrest could have been avoided completely.

“It was unnecessary to transport him from one station to another and causing unnecessary tension in the country. The manner is completely not necessary,” the lawyer stressed.

Ardent followers of Obinim were bused to the Nima Police Station and the Police Headquarters on Wednesday to demand his release. The irked church members clashed with the police leading to the arrest of a lady. They have vowed to vote against President John Mahama come the December 7 elections.

According to Dr Attafuah, the open display of power by the police could have been ducked if the peace agents had been discerning. He noted Obinim did not resist arrest or gave any indication that he will flee hence the introduction of handcuffs in the whole process was “degrading.”

Obinim has since been granted bail, having spent two nights in cell.