Wa murders: Suspected cannibal confesses to killing 15 people
A man suspected of being responsible for a series of murders in the Wa Municipality has admitted to killing 15 people since 2021, following his arrest by the Upper West Regional Police Command.
The individual, 30-year-old Sherif Abdulai, was apprehended in Adabiya, a suburb of Wa, after weeks of coordinated intelligence efforts by law enforcement.
His arrest came after the earlier arrest of another suspect, Mahamuda Lamin, aged 25, this month, in relation to the recent murder of a night watchman, Mr. Yahaya Issah, at Dobile, close to the Wa New Market.
As stated by ACP Francis Yiribarie, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Sherif Abdulai, a former convict, confessed during questioning that he has been responsible for a series of murders in Wa and other areas of the Savannah Region.
He disclosed that his victims were primarily watchmen and, in certain instances, individuals with mental challenges whom he targeted during the night.
“During questioning, the suspect confessed to killing 15 people in Wa Municipality since 2021. 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 Commander disclosed.
The Regional Commander further noted that investigations uncovered that Sherif Abdulai was found in possession of items belonging to the deceased Yahaya Issah, including a Villaon keypad mobile phone and a solar-powered portable radio.
A search conducted at his hideout in a bush near the Wa Airstrip resulted in the recovery of a cutlass with uniquely designed edges, a bicycle, and a sack containing meat, all believed to be associated with his victims.
The Commander mentioned that forensic analysis of the recovered items is currently underway, while investigations continue to ascertain whether any additional accomplices were involved in the murders.
The second suspect, Mahamuda Lamin, has already been remanded by the Wa Magistrate Court and is scheduled to reappear on October 21, 2025.
The police expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation and support in this matter.