The Upper West Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its investigation into a series of murder cases recorded in the Wa Municipality since 2021, with the arrest of two key suspects. The suspects, identified as Sherif Abdulai, a 30-year-old ex-convict, and Mahamuda Lamin, 25, were apprehended on October 3 and October 6, 2025, respectively. The arrests followed sustained intelligence and an investigation into the recent murder of a 55-year-old security man, Mr. Issah Yahaya, in Wa-Dobile on September 21, 2025.
During a search on suspect Sherif Abdulai, police retrieved items belonging to the deceased, including a Villaon keypad mobile phone, an X-Base solar-powered portable radio, a cutlass with specially designed edges, and a bicycle. The initial investigation into Mr. Yahaya’s death revealed he was attacked while on duty and suffered severe head injuries, with a blood-stained cement block and a knife recovered from the crime scene. A post-mortem determined the cause of death as severe head injury due to blunt force trauma.
Police stated that a review of the facts indicated a similar method had been observed in approximately 15 murder cases recorded in the region since 2021, primarily targeting night watchmen and sometimes mentally challenged persons. These victims were typically either strangled or hit on the head with concrete cement blocks.
Suspect Sherif Abdulai admitted during interrogation to killing sixteen people in the Wa Municipality since 2021. He further disclosed that he had also killed three mentally challenged persons and two watchmen in Bole, one mentally challenged man in Banda Nkwanta, and one mentally challenged woman in Bamboi. Both suspects are currently in police custody assisting the investigation, which was bolstered by a team of intelligence officers deployed by the Inspector-General of Police.
The Regional Police Command commended its officers and the public for their support, assuring the community of its commitment to security.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
