A man believed to be behind a string of mysterious murders in the Wa Municipality has confessed to killing 15 people since 2021, following his arrest by the Upper West Regional Police Command.
The suspect, identified as Sherif Abdulai, aged 30, was apprehended at Adabiya, a suburb of Wa, after weeks of coordinated intelligence operations by the police.
His arrest followed the capture of another suspect, Mahamuda Lamin, aged 25, earlier this month, in connection with the recent killing of a night watchman, Mr. Yahaya Issah, at Dobile near the Wa New Market.
According to ACP Francis Yiribarie, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Sherif Abdulai, an ex-convict, admitted during interrogation that he has been behind a series of killings in Wa and other parts of the Savannah Region.
He revealed that his victims were mostly watchmen and, in some cases, mentally challenged individuals whom he targeted at night.
“During questioning, the suspect confessed to killing 15 people in Wa Municipality since 2021,” the Commander disclosed. “He also admitted to killing three madmen and two watchmen at Bole, one madman in Banda Nkwanta, and a madwoman in Bamboi. He carries his victims on his shoulder and buries them secretly in nearby bushes.”
The Regional Commander further indicated that investigations revealed that Sherif Abdulai was arrested with items belonging to the late Yahaya Issah, including a Villoan keypad mobile phone and a solar-powered portable radio.
A search at his hideout in a bush near the Wa Airstrip led to the recovery of a cutlass with specially designed edges, a bicycle, and a sack containing meat, all believed to be linked to his victims.
The Commander noted that forensic analysis of the retrieved items is ongoing, while investigations continue to determine whether other accomplices were involved in the killings. The second suspect, Mahamuda Lamin, has already been remanded by the Wa Magistrate Court to reappear on October 21, 2025.
The police commended the public for their cooperation and the timely flow of information that aided the breakthrough. The Commander also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and directives that guided the investigative team.
“I wish to assure residents that the Police remain resolute in our commitment to rid our society of criminal elements and ensure justice for families affected by these crimes,” the Regional Commander emphasized.
The confession brings relief to residents of Wa and surrounding communities, who have lived in fear following a spate of unsolved killings of watchmen over the past four years. Police say they will continue investigations until all those responsible for the heinous acts are brought to justice.
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