A key suspect in the murder and disappearance of two youths in Kandeu has died while in police custody in Wa.
The deceased, Abu Tijani alias “Master One”, aged 35, was the youth leader of Wechau. He was arrested on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by the Upper West Regional Police Command over his alleged involvement in the November 23, 2025 incident at Wa West.
According to a police statement, “Master One” had been on the police wanted list after escaping arrest on May 11, 2026. Police said they had earlier appealed through the Paramount Chief of Wechau and his elders for him to report, but he fled into hiding.
During the arrest, the police said the suspect “fiercely struggled” and injured two officers before he was overpowered.
Confession and Burial Site
In a statement issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command, the police said that during interrogation, the suspect admitted his involvement in the crime.
He told investigators that the two bodies were first buried about 3 kilometres west of Wechau towards the Black Volta River. He added that the bodies were later exhumed and reburied across the Black Volta River in Burkina Faso by him and his accomplices to avoid detection.
Police escorted him to the initial burial site and dug the grave, but found no remains, consistent with his account that the bodies had been moved.
Death in Hospital
While being transported to help police locate an accomplice along the Nakore road in Wa, the suspect complained of a severe headache. Police said they immediately took him to the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Wa for treatment.
He was admitted at approximately 1:00pm but was pronounced dead at 4:37pm despite medical efforts. His body has been deposited at the Upper West Regional Hospital Morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The Regional Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, led a three-member delegation to brief the Wechau Naa and the deceased’s family on the events leading to the death. The delegation also inspected the body at the mortuary at their request.
DCOP Yiribaare appealed to the people of Wechau to “remain calm, exercise restraint, and allow due process to take its course.”
He assured them that the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has initiated a transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
The Police Command extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to “avoid speculation and cooperate with the Police.”
The November 23, 2025 murder of the two youths in Kandeu remains under investigation.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
