The prime suspect accused of murdering Mr Eric Johnson, the owner of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa Dubai, has been named by the police as the late businessman's former human resource manager whom he sacked, along with four others, for sleeping with several female employees at the hotel.

Eliasah Mahama Akpanyikye, according to Chief Superintendent of Police Abdulai Amadu Alichewu, conspired with one of his lovers, Belinda Miller, a 26-year-old receptionist and national service personnel, to end his former employer's life.

The prosecutor told the Wa District court that  the police posessed incontrovertible evidence implicating the two lovers, along with a third suspect, Kweku Kumbata, in the homicide.

They were those left standing trial after four others were discharged and acquitted.

Presiding Judge Maxwell Maxbrain Titiriku remanded Mr. Mahama Akpanyikye to prison custody, while Miss Miller, who was among those dismissed by the management of the hotel but later reinstated, as well as the third suspect, were to remain in police custody pending their reappearance on April 15th.

The prosecution presented compelling evidence indicating that Mr. Mahama Akpanyikye unlawfully entered Mr. Johnson's residence on February 10th, scaling a fortified fence with the aid of a ladder. 

Phone records revealed numerous calls made to Miss Miller, seeking information on accessing Mr. Johnson's room. 

Mr. Johnson was found stabbed multiple times in his room, his belongings, including an unspecified sum of money and his car key, taken by the assailant.

Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted Mr. Mahama Akpanyikye's suspicious behaviour, including an unexplained injury and conflicting accounts of its origin. 

Despite claiming a kitchen accident, evidence suggested otherwise. 

Subsequently, Mr. Mahama Akpanyikye fled Jirapa but was apprehended in Takoradi and returned to face justice in Wa.

Chief Superintendent Amadu Alichewu emphasised the prosecution's determination to pursue justice, stressing the collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General to expedite investigations.