'He's not one of us' — Hajj Office denies arrested ‘Papa Angola’ seen assaulting Apostle Daniel in viral video

Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has clarified that Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria, popularly known as Alhaji Papa Angola, is not a member of the Ghana Hajj Board and does not represent the office in any official capacity.

The clarification comes shortly after the Ghana Police Service arrested Zakaria in connection with a viral video in which he was captured assaulting a suspect who was in handcuffs and police custody.

In a statement dated August 13, 2026, PAOG said: “Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria who is populaly called Alhaji Papa Angola is NOT a member of the Ghana Hajj Board and does not represent PAOG in any official capacity.”

It added: “Any reports linking him to the Hajj Board are inaccurate.”

The Police said Zakaria is in custody assisting investigations and will be put before the court.

The Police Professional Standards Bureau is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the Service saying all persons found culpable will be taken through the necessary disciplinary processes.

Zakaria's arrest followed an earlier Police announcement that a manhunt had been launched for a man captured in a viral video verbally abusing and threatening Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, alias Apostle Daniel JY Adjei.

The development came amid Police investigations into separate videos involving comments about Prophet Mohammed. A 35-year-old Imam, Masud Abdullah, was arrested over a video in which he allegedly encouraged his audience to kill people who insult Prophet Mohammed.

In a related case, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team arrested Apostle Daniel JY Adjei after he was seen in a video using derogatory language targeted at Prophet Mohammed.

The Police Service has warned that freedom of religion and freedom of expression must not be used to justify inciting violence or encouraging people to harm others.