The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects believed to be behind a series of gruesome murders that have terrorised the Wa Municipality and parts of the Upper West Region since 2021.
The suspects, identified as Sherif Abdulai, a 30-year-old ex-convict, and Mahamuda Lamin, aged 25, were picked up on October 3 and October 6, 2025, respectively, following intensive intelligence and investigative operations by the police. Their arrest followed the killing of Mr. Issah Yahaya, a 55-year-old night security guard, at Wa-Dobile on September 21, 2025.
According to a police statement, a search conducted on suspect Abdulai led to the recovery of several items belonging to the deceased, including a Villion keypad mobile phone, an X-Base solar-powered portable radio, a cutlass with specially designed edges, and a bicycle. Other items found included a sack containing cooked meat and a pickaxe handle.
Investigations revealed that the deceased was attacked while on duty and sustained severe head injuries. Police found a blood-stained cement block and a knife at the scene. A post-mortem examination conducted at the Upper West Regional Hospital established the cause of death as “severe head injury due to blunt force trauma.”
The police further noted that the method used in the killing bore similarities to about 15 murder cases reported in the region since 2021. In that year alone, four cases were recorded at Kaguri, Loho, Kambale-Mangu, and between Kalco and Loho. In 2022, eleven similar murders were documented in Wa, including incidents around the TI Ahmadiyya School, Kulpong-Yeyiri road, Nakore Petrosol, and Star Standard Academy, among others.
Most of the victims were night watchmen who were attacked while on duty, either strangled or struck with heavy concrete blocks.
In response to the recurring murders, the Inspector-General of Police deployed a special team of intelligence officers and investigators to collaborate with the Regional Command, a move that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects.
During interrogation, suspect Sherif Abdulai reportedly confessed to killing 16 people in the Wa Municipality since 2021. He claimed that his victims were mainly night watchmen and mentally challenged persons. He also confessed to killing three mentally challenged persons and two watchmen in Bole, one mentally challenged man in Banda Nkwanta, and another woman in Bamboi.
Both suspects are currently in police custody assisting with further investigations.
The Regional Police Commander, ACP François K. Yiribaare, commended all officers involved in the investigations for their dedication and professionalism. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation and timely sharing of information that greatly aided the arrests.
He assured residents of the region that the police remain committed to ensuring peace and security, and urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts to maintain safety across the Upper West Region.
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