'I apologised under duress' - Driver of Ibrahim Mahama speaks

Ibrahim Issah, driver to Ghanaian visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, has spoken out following a viral video in which he was seen apologising to the leader of the “Black Maria” team, DSP Abdul Jalil, after an alleged assault by a police task force.

In the video, sighted by GhanaWeb, Issah is seen speaking to DSP Jalil while rendering an apology.

Police commence investigation into alleged assault on Ibrahim Mahama

He is heard saying, “It was a wrong moment and I sincerely apologise for that,” in what appears to be a police cell following the alleged incident involving members of Ibrahim Mahama’s team.

However, speaking on the matter, Issah insists that the apology was made under duress.

Providing a detailed account, he denied voluntarily apologising for any wrongdoing, stating that the circumstances surrounding the incident compelled him to make the statement captured on video.

“I never apologised to Jalil and his team for manhandling us or doing anything wrong. The issue is that when we were taken from the scene to the police station, we were beaten along the way,” he said.

According to him, the alleged assault did not end at the scene but continued at the police station, where he and others were subjected to further mistreatment.

“When we got to the police station, they pushed us behind the counter and subjected us to severe beatings. Later, when they were about to grant us bail, they suddenly changed their minds after we requested a lawyer,” Issah recounted.

He explained that his decision to apologise in the video was driven by fear following what he described as the treatment they endured.

“So I decided to apologise because of the way we were being treated. I was overwhelmed and frightened at the time,” he added.

Issah further alleged that the apology was effectively coerced, suggesting that their release depended on complying with the officers’ demands.

“It was under duress. We were pressured, and it felt like if we did not apologise, we would not be released,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the police say they have initiated an investigation into the alleged assault involving visual artist Ibrahim Mahama and his associates.

In a statement issued on March 21, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Luckman Niendow Alhassan, the Ghana Police Service indicated that claims suggesting Ibrahim Mahama was assaulted by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, known as the “Black Maria,” are false.

We were attacked by the Black Maria - Ibrahim Mahama debunks police report

According to the statement, the team is no longer operating in the Northern Region, following its withdrawal by the Inspector-General of Police.

@peacebwoygh1 Tamale, Northern Region - No Assault on Ibrahim Mahama - Police Clarify Tamale Incident. The Ghana Police Service has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that businessman Ibrahim Mahama was assaulted by an Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations team in Tamale, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of events. According to a statement issued by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil of the IGP Special Operations Team, the incident in question stemmed from a traffic enforcement situation that escalated due to the conduct of a driver who obstructed a busy road and refused to comply with lawful police directives. The statement explained that despite repeated appeals from police officers and other road users, the driver remained defiant, making provocative remarks that heightened tensions in an already congested environment. The situation occurred near the Mariam Hotel area, where heavy traffic had built up following Eid prayers at nearby locations, including Ambariya Sunni Community and St. Paul JHS, Nobisco. Police indicated that the congestion was exacerbated by large crowds dispersing from Eid congregational prayers, creating significant vehicular and pedestrian pressure at a three-junction intersection. As tensions rose, some frustrated road users reportedly attempted to attack the individuals involved. However, officers intervened promptly to prevent mob action and ensure the safety of those at the center of the incident. The individuals were subsequently arrested for offensive conduct, including obstruction, defiance of lawful orders, and behavior likely to disturb public peace. Following their admission of wrongdoing and expression of remorse, they were released into the custody of their father, identified as Alhaj Savanna, after rendering an unqualified apology to both him and the police. DSP Abdul Jalil emphasized that there is no credible evidence linking the incident to any assault on Ibrahim Mahama by the police but rather a mob attack on him and his vehicle was nearly burnt but for the intervention of the Black Maria. He urged the public to rely on accurate information and avoid spreading misleading narratives that could create unnecessary tension. The Police Service further called for responsible public discourse, particularly on sensitive matters, to maintain peace and order in the region.🤦🏻‍♂️ #fpy #tiktok #tamaletiktokersofficial #trendingvideo #viraltiktok @Topdon @Anafu Moses(Source man) ♬ original sound - Peace Bwoy Gh