Police arrest two suspects over murder of Senegalese goalkeeper in Kumasi

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure, whose death was reported in Kumasi in October 2025.

The suspects, identified as Salifu Walid, 32, a Nigerien, and Aziz Wadrago Mane, 24, a Burkinabe, were arrested on September 20, 2026, at their hideout at Banpanase near Mamponteng in the Ashanti Region.

The arrests followed a sustained intelligence-led operation by the Police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of the goalkeeper.

According to the Police, the two suspects were members of a four-member group suspected of masterminding the kidnapping and murder of Toure.

The group allegedly posed as football scout agents and used online networks to lure unsuspecting victims into Ghana.

The Police said preliminary investigations had established that the suspects played different roles in luring Toure into the country as part of an alleged scheme to defraud him.

On October 16, 2025, some persons who claimed to be brothers of the deceased took him to the Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi with several abdominal injuries.

The persons reportedly told hospital authorities that Toure had been involved in an accident.

The goalkeeper was, however, pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The suspects subsequently deposited his body at the Ebenezer Mortuary at Tafo, Kumasi, before absconding.

Following investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death, the Police intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the alleged kidnapping and murder.

The Police said the two suspects, during interrogation, admitted their involvement in the crime.

They also provided information about their respective roles in allegedly luring Toure into the country.

The investigation indicated that the group had used the identity of football scouts to gain the confidence of potential victims and allegedly lure them into Ghana.

The Police said efforts had been intensified to arrest two other suspects identified as Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, also known as Prince Pierre, and Barry, who were still on the run.

The two wanted suspects were believed to have played central roles in the activities of the group, according to the Police.

The Police said the two arrested suspects remained in custody and would be processed for court.

The development brought renewed attention to the safety of foreign footballers and aspiring players who may be approached through online football scouting networks.

The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant when dealing with persons who presented themselves as football agents or scouts, particularly through online platforms.

The investigation was continuing as the Police worked to locate the remaining suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding Toure’s death.