Kandeu murder suspect dies after falling ill during investigations

The Upper West Regional Police Command has announced the death of Abu Tijani, also known as 'Master One', a 35-year-old youth leader from Wechiau, who was a key suspect in the investigation into the murder and disappearance of two youths in Kandeu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the command said the suspect died at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Wa after complaining of a severe headache while being escorted by investigators.

According to the police, Abu Tijani was arrested on Saturday, July 25, 2026, following intelligence linking him to the murder of the two youths, whose bodies have remained missing since the incident on November 23, 2025.

The statement said the suspect had been on the police wanted list after escaping an attempted arrest on May 11, 2026, and going into hiding despite requests made through the Paramount Chief of Wechiau and community elders for him to report and assist with investigations.

Police further stated that the suspect resisted arrest and injured two officers before he was overpowered and taken into custody.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted his involvement in the murders and told investigators that the victims were initially buried at a location in Wechiau before he and his accomplices exhumed the bodies and reburied them across the Black Volta River in Burkina Faso to avoid detection.

The police said investigators subsequently escorted the suspect to the initial burial site, located about three kilometres west of Wechiau towards the Black Volta River, where they excavated the area but found no human remains.

According to the statement, the suspect explained that the bodies had been relocated a few days after the initial burial.

The police said that after returning to Wa, the suspect was being escorted to help locate one of his alleged accomplices along the Nakore Road when he suddenly complained of a severe headache.

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"As a precautionary measure, the Police immediately abandoned their mission and transported him to the nearest health facility, the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital, Wa, for medical attention," the statement said adding that he was unfortunately pronounced dead at about 4:37 p.m. after efforts by the medical authorities.

His body has since been deposited at the Upper West Regional Hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.

The police said the Upper West Regional Police Command had informed the Wechiau Naa and the deceased's family through a three-member delegation from the Paramount Chief.

During the meeting, Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, briefed the delegation on the circumstances leading to the suspect's death and appealed for calm.

He appealed to the people of Wechiau to remain calm, exercise restraint, and allow due process to take its course while assuring them of the Ghana Police Service's commitment to a transparent investigation.

The statement added that an investigation into the suspect's death had already been initiated by the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB).

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

The Upper West Regional Police Command extended its condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the suspect's death are fully established through due process.

It also urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and cooperate with the police as investigations continue.

Read the statement below

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