The Church of Pentecost Causes Arrest of Gospel Musician Francis Amo Over Alleged Song Theft; Consultant Explains

The Church of Pentecost has reportedly caused the arrest of gospel musician Francis Amo over allegations of song theft.

According to reports, the singer was invited by the Accra Central Police Command for questioning and was subsequently detained.

Speaking to Max TV on the matter, intellectual property expert and consultant Dr. Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jnr, popularly known as Bnoska Bnoska, confirmed the arrest. Dr. Arhin Jnr, who also serves as a lecturer and personal consultant to Francis Amo, confirmed that the arrest was initiated following a complaint from the church and explained the circumstances leading to it.

“Francis Amo has been ministering in the church since as far back as 2008 without taking any payment. About a month ago, he was invited to sing at Easter. During the event, the church taught him a song and instructed him to perform it at the service.

“The song, written and composed by a man identified as Elder Moses, is titled “Ode bone kye.” After his ministration, Francis Amo reportedly confessed to the church that he liked the song. He later proceeded to do a worship recording of the same song and sought permission to release it from Pastor Bortey, who instructed him to officially write to the church, which he did.

According to him, the pastor gave him approval and told him he could go ahead and release the song. He subsequently released the song on Wednesday. However, on Thursday, the pastor called him and instructed him to pull it down, which he complied with. It is further alleged that the church was dissatisfied with the manner in which he handled the situation.

While the original song was titled “Ode bone kye,” Francis Amo titled his version “Ne din de Jesus.”

“On Friday, the Accra Central Police Command called him and informed him that the leadership of the church had lodged a complaint against him, alleging that “you are a thief; you have stolen their song,” and that he should report to the police station to respond to the allegations.”

Dr. Arhin Jnr stated that they reported to the police as required by the invitation, after which Francis Amo was arrested and detained.

“According to the complaint filed against him, he is being accused of being evasive, recalcitrant, and disobedient towards the church, and is therefore being treated as a criminal who must face the full rigour of the law. Which is not the case, he concluded.