Key suspect in Wa killings dies in police custody

A key suspect in the murder of two young men during a land dispute at Kandeu in the Wa West District has died while in police custody after his arrest and during ongoing investigations.

The suspect, identified as Abu Tijani, also known as “Master One,” was arrested on Saturday, July 25, 2026, over his alleged involvement in the killing and disappearance of the two victims, who were reported murdered on November 23, 2025.

According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, the 35-year-old, who was described as a youth leader in Wechiau, had been on the police wanted list after allegedly escaping arrest on May 11, 2026, and going into hiding.

Police said efforts had earlier been made through the Paramount Chief of Wechiau and his elders to persuade him to report for questioning, but he failed to do so.

The police said Abu Tijani resisted arrest, allegedly injuring two officers before he was subdued and taken into custody.

During interrogation, police said the suspect admitted involvement in the killings and disclosed that the victims were initially buried at a location in Wechiau before the bodies were later exhumed and reburied across the Black Volta River in Burkina Faso with the help of accomplices to avoid detection.

Investigators were subsequently led to the original burial site, about three kilometres west of Wechiau towards the Black Volta River. However, after excavating the area, no human remains were found. Police said the suspect maintained that the bodies had been moved a few days after the initial burial.

The police said that while escorting the suspect to help locate one of his alleged accomplices along the Nakore Road, he suddenly complained of a severe headache.

Officers immediately abandoned the operation and rushed him to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Wa for medical attention.

He was admitted at about 1:00 p.m. but was pronounced dead at approximately 4:37 p.m. despite efforts by medical staff. His body has since been deposited at the Upper West Regional Hospital morgue pending an autopsy.

The Upper West Regional Police Command said it has informed the Wechiau Naa and the suspect’s family through a three-member delegation from the traditional council.

During the meeting, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, explained the circumstances leading to the suspect’s death and appealed to residents to remain calm while investigations continue.

He also assured the delegation that the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has commenced an independent investigation into the incident.

At the request of the delegation, police escorted its members to the Regional Hospital mortuary to identify the body before they returned to brief the Paramount Chief and the people of Wechiau.

The Police Service has extended its condolences to the family of the deceased suspect and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding his death are fully established through due process.

The public has also been urged to remain calm, avoid speculation, and cooperate with investigators as inquiries continue.

-Musah Adams