The Upper West Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its investigations into a string of murder cases that have plagued the region since 2021.

Two key suspects believed to be behind the series of killings, mostly targeting night watchmen, have been arrested after weeks of coordinated intelligence work.

At a press briefing in Wa, the Regional Police Commander confirmed the arrests of Sherif Abdulai, aged 30, and Mahamuda Lamin, aged 25, describing the development as a “significant step toward justice for the victims and their families.”

The breakthrough follows sustained investigations into 15 murder cases recorded between 2021 and 2022, and the recent killing of Mr. Issah Yahaya, a night watchman, at Wa–Dobile on September 21, 2025.

According to police reports, the victims in most of these cases were watchmen attacked while on duty, either strangled or bludgeoned with blocks.

Locations affected included Kpaguri, Loho, Kambale-Mangu, Kaleo, Napogbakole, and other parts of the Wa Municipality.

Details of the Latest Case

On September 21, 2025, police discovered the body of Mr. Yahaya Issah, aged 55, in a motor mechanic shop at Dobile near Wa New Market.

At the scene, investigators found a broken cement block stained with blood, a knife placed on the victim’s face, and other physical evidence suggesting a violent attack.

A post-mortem examination conducted the same day at the Upper West Regional Hospital determined the cause of death as “severe head injury due to blunt force trauma.

” The body was later released to the family for burial in line with Islamic tradition.

The Investigation and Arrests

Following a pattern of similarities in the killings, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, deployed a specialised team of intelligence officers and investigators from the National Headquarters to collaborate with the regional police.

Acting on forensic leads and intelligence, the team arrested Mahamuda Lamin on October 3, 2025, who later provided information that led to the arrest of a second suspect.

With assistance from the Assemblyman and residents of Dondoli, police arrested Sherif Abdulai on October 6, 2025, at Adabiya, another suburb of Wa.

Abdulai, an ex-convict and cobbler known by several aliases — Saani, Mohammed, and Critos — was found in possession of items belonging to the late Mr. Yahaya, including a Villaon keypad mobile phone and an X-Base solar-powered radio.

A subsequent search at Abdulai’s hideout — an isolated metal container near the Airstrip area — yielded additional evidence now being examined by forensic experts.

The Upper West Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for all victims and restoring public confidence.

Investigations are ongoing, and both suspects remain in police custody pending further interrogations and prosecution.

The Police Commander commended the public, community leaders, and Assembly members for their cooperation and vigilance, emphasising that community intelligence remains vital in combating violent crime.