A 46-year-old pastor and marriage counsellor, Rev. Daniel Yaw Donkoh, popularly known as D.Y. Donkoh, was on Monday arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly publishing false news about the supposed assassination of popular Ghanaian dancehall musician, Charles Nii Armah Jnr, also known as Shatta Wale.
The pastor is facing one count of “Publication of False News” contrary to Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), after he posted a video on his TikTok page on July 21, 2025, claiming he had received a vision that Shatta Wale had been shot and killed by three gunmen.
The video quickly went viral, sparking panic among fans and disturbing the artiste and his management. According to the brief facts presented in court, Shatta Wale, who resides in East Legon, reported the matter through his publicist, Samuel Baah Atuobi, also known as Sammy Flex, stating that he and his team had been traumatized since seeing the video.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye, told the presiding judge , Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit that several efforts to reach the accused by phone were unsuccessful until July 25, 2025, when police picked up intelligence that some angry fans of Shatta Wale were planning to storm the pastor’s church at Tabora-Alhaji.
Officers promptly moved in to prevent violence and invited the accused to assist with investigations.
During interrogation, Rev. Donkoh reportedly admitted to posting the video, claiming his intention was only to get the artiste’s attention.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was represented by lawyer Ebenezer Elorm Segbefia, who passionately appealed for bail.
Counsel argued that Rev. Donkoh was a law-abiding citizen with no prior criminal record, a fixed place of abode, and strong community ties.
He further noted that the accused is the founder and leader of a church in Tabora and the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes four children.
“He has cooperated with the police since his arrest last Friday and is eager to prove his innocence in court,” the defence said. “We respectfully pray the court to grant him bail on flexible terms, as men of substance are ready to stand surety.”
Prosecution did not oppose bail but requested conditions to ensure the accused’s availability during the trial. The court granted bail in the sum of GHS 20,000 with three sureties, one of whom must be justified. Rev. Donkoh is also required to report to the police every two weeks.
The case has been adjourned to August 27, 2025, for Case Management Conference (CMC).
