Dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly known as Shatta Wale has been convicted of a fine of GH₵2000 after pleading guilty to publication of false news.
Shatta Wale who had earlier pleaded not guilty on October 21, 2021, changed his plea to guilty when he appeared in court on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.
When the case was called before His Honour Emmanuel Essandoh, Shatta Wale told the court, “I want to change my plea”.
One of his counsel, Lawyer Samuel Ofori in his plea for mitigation said, the convict is a first-time offender and that he thought he was playing.
Counsel said, his client did not know that his action was a serious offense and that he has regretted his actions and never again will he do that. He added that Shatta Wale has shown remorse from the way he was standing in the docket and though he is popular, he has not wasted the court’s time. He, therefore, prayed the court to deal with him leniently.
Jerry Avenyogbo, another of Shatta Wale’s counsels said what occurred has stopped false prophecies in the country. He argued that the actions of his client have created a positive vibe ever since he took that step and none of the so-called prophets have done that again.
The Prosecutor ASP Maxwell Oppong, on his part, said, he leaves everything in the hand of the court.
His Honour, Emmanuel Essandoh, said, the charge against the convict was a misdemeanor and he has shown a lot of remorse. The court subsequently convicted him of a fine of GH₵2000 in default of three months in prison.
According to some sources, Shatta Wale immediately paid the fine and has been set free. The case has been adjourned to July 21, 2022, for the three other aides involved in the case to appear in court.
Background of the Story
In October 2021, the musician and three of his aides were arrested and charged with publication of false news and abetment of criminal publication of false news respectively.
This was after Shatta Wale and his aides staged a report that he had been shot. Shatta said he did that because a prophet prophesied that he would be shot on that day, hence, he staged the stunt to draw attention to the fake prophecy.
The other three individuals included Kojo Owusu Koranteng, Shatta’s personal assistant, Eric Vanetor, a graphic designer, and Iddrisu Yussif, a beautician.
Shatta Wale and the others pleaded not guilty to the charges against them when they appeared in Court. They were all granted bail pending the commencement of the trial.
Meanwhile, Bishop Stephen Kwesi Appiah, popularly known as Jesus Ahuofe, who prophesied that Shatta Wale would be shot on October 18, 2021, was arrested and later granted bail. The court remanded him for five days after he was put before court on October 20, 2021.
Read also: Progressive Zongo Youth Debunks Claims Of Mahama Facilitating Construction Of National Mosque
