The High Court in Ho has sentenced eight individuals in connection with the 2020 murder of Marcus Mawutor Adzahli, the former Assembly Member for the Sogakope South Electoral Area.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday, May 22, 2025, marking the end of a five-year legal battle following the brutal killing of the well-known young businessman.
Presiding Judge, Justice John Ekow Mensah, handed a life sentence to the ringleader, Richard Adikyere, who was found guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and robbery. Two of his accomplices, Emmanuel Xetro and Stephen Adzibolo, received 47-year prison terms each.
Four others—Obed Ayornu, Michael Sam, Samuel Kofi Zotorvi, and Christian Zotorvi—had earlier entered plea bargains and were each sentenced to 15 years in prison. A final convict, Emmanuel Hedzro, was implicated after purchasing a motorbike with part of the stolen money and was also sentenced accordingly.
According to prosecutors, the crime took place in the early hours of March 1, 2020, when the attackers broke into Adzahli’s Sogakope residence using cement blocks.
Armed with a pump-action gun and two pistols—one of which had been stolen in an earlier robbery—the assailants shot Adzahli three times at close range, targeting his head and chest. A post-mortem conducted at the Sogakope District Hospital confirmed these fatal injuries.
The attackers also stole a substantial amount of money from the residence. Police investigations, which led to the suspects’ arrests in various locations including Ashaiman, uncovered strong evidence, including a confession from Adikyere, who admitted to firing the fatal shots.
Following the ruling, Geoffrey Adzahli, father of the deceased, expressed mixed emotions of sorrow and relief. “Marcus was our family’s breadwinner. This verdict brings some justice. I thank the Ghana Police Service and everyone who worked tirelessly on this case,” he said.
Senior State Attorney Andrews Dodzi Adugu reaffirmed the state’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and encouraged young people to pursue productive paths rather than crime.
Marcus Adzahli was a respected entrepreneur in the telecom and mobile money sectors, known for employing many youths in his community.
His funeral, held during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, drew a large crowd and highlighted the impact he had on the lives of those around him.
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