Dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly known as Shatta Wale has been convicted of a fine of GHc2000 after pleading guilty to the 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.
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 offence and that he has regretted his actions and never again will he do that.
He added that Shatta Wale has shown remorse for the way he is 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 his counsel 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 those steps and none of the so-called prophets have done that again.
The Prosecutor ASP Maxwell Oppong, on his part, said he left everything in the hand of the court.
His Honour Emmanuel Essandoh, said, the charge against the convict was a misdemeanour and he has shown a lot of remorse.
The court subsequently convicted him to a fine of GHc2000 in default of three months in prison.
According to EIB Network’s Court Correspondent Murtala Inusah, 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 to appear in court.
Background
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 had staged a report that he had been shot.
Shatta said he did that because a prophet prophesied that he will 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.
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