Nsuaem ‘abduction’ suspect acted innocently, children asked for help - Police

Contrary to earlier reports of a foiled kidnapping attempt at Nsuaem in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, police say the two children at the center of the incident have disclosed that they rather sought assistance from the accused, Moses Sulley, to cross a road.

The clarification paves the way for Sulley’s release on substantial surety bail.

This was confirmed to EIB Network’s Western Regional Correspondent, Joseph Kobina Amuah, by ASP Beatrice Turkson, PRO for the Western-Central Police Command, who noted that the children, in the presence of their parents, narrated the true account during police interrogation.

Following the revelation, investigators informed the suspect, currently in custody, to engage his family to facilitate the bail process.

The development comes as a major twist to Wednesday’s dramatic events at Nsuaem, where tensions flared after residents accused Sulley of attempting to abduct the minors. The incident sparked clashes between youth and police, resulting in injuries and property damage, and forcing the temporary closure of the Nsuaem Police Station.

The chaos erupted after the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Sulley Moses, was reportedly seen interacting with two school children near the Nivo Filling Station. A storekeeper, suspecting foul play, raised an alarm, leading to Sulley’s arrest by youth with assistance from a female police officer.

Police preliminary reports earlier indicated the children claimed the suspect had forcibly held one of them, prompting his detention.

However, news of the arrest quickly spread, fueling mob action. More than 500 agitated residents stormed the police station, blocking the Takoradi–Tarkwa highway, burning tyres, and hurling stones while demanding “instant justice.” Three police officers and four civilians were injured, and parts of the station including a vehicle and some impounded motorbikes were vandalized and set ablaze.

Police fired warning shots, and military reinforcement was deployed to restore calm. Personnel were evacuated, and the station has since been temporarily shut down, while Sulley was transferred to the Tarkwa Regional Police Headquarters.

One civilian injured in the disturbances was later referred to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital for further treatment.

According to an assembly member in the area, Daniel Yaw Prah, heightened public anxiety may have been triggered by the recent discovery of a deceased six-year-old girl in the community, which has left residents on edge.