Killer of Jirapa Dubai CEO Sentenced to Life Imprisonment by Wa High Court

The Wa High Court has sentenced 33-year-old Elisha Mahama Akpanichie to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr. Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa Dubai. The sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that drew national attention following the tragic incident in February 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command, the court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Alhaji Yussif Assibey, found Akpanichie guilty of murder after a full trial. He is to serve his sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison.

The incident occurred on February 11, 2024, at the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel in Jirapa, where the convict brutally attacked and murdered the renowned hotelier before fleeing the scene. Police launched an immediate and intelligence-led operation that resulted in Akpanichie’s swift arrest in the Central Region.

Comprehensive investigations by the Police led to the gathering of compelling evidence that secured a successful prosecution. Two other individuals, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kumbata, who were also standing trial in connection with the case, were acquitted and discharged by the court.

In a statement, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Francis Yiribaare, commended the efforts of the investigative team, prosecutors, witnesses, and members of the public whose cooperation contributed to the successful conclusion of the case.

“This outcome demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law. The Police remain resolute in their duty to protect life and property and to ensure that justice is delivered for all victims of crime,” the statement emphasized.

The sentencing of Akpanichie brings closure to one of the most shocking criminal cases in the Upper West Region, offering some measure of justice to the family, colleagues, and community of the late Mr. Eric Johnson, whose contributions to the region’s hospitality sector remain widely recognized.