Police commence investigation into alleged brutality on Ibrahim Mahama

The Northern Regional Police Command has begun investigations into an alleged assault on artist Ibrahim Mahama in Tamale.

The statement, signed by Regional Public Relations Officer C/Insp. Luckman Niendow Alhassan, was released on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

According to the Police, “the Northern Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into a reported assault on visual artist, Mr Ibrahim Mahama by some officers in Tamale.”

The Command further assured the public that “updates of the ongoing investigation will be duly communicated,” as it works to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

However, the Police rejected claims circulating in sections of the media linking the alleged assault to the Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Black Maria.”

The statement clarified that “claims in sections of the media that the Special Operations Team (The Black Maria) was involved in this case are false,” explaining that the unit had already been withdrawn from the Northern Region.

It added that the team had been out of the region “following their withdrawal by the Inspector-General of Police on Thursday, the 5th of March, 2026.”

The development follows a viral video shared on social media in which Ibrahim Mahama appeared visibly distressed, displaying a bloodied garment and a broken tooth while recounting the incident.

“They told us they could kill us and nothing would happen… I kept asking myself, what country am I living in?” he said in the video.

Ibrahim Mahama, founder of Red Clay Studio, is reportedly receiving medical treatment after the alleged assault.

The case has sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny over police conduct, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.