The Upper West Regional Police Command Headed by DCOP Mr. Francis Yiribaare has issued a statement outlining circumstances surrounding the demise of a young man from Wechiau in Wa West District by name Abu Tijani alias Master One.

This was issued in an official letter from the Police PR Unit on 28th July 2026.

POLICE STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF KEY MURDER SUSPECT ABU TIJANI OF WECHAU

1. As part of ongoing criminal investigation into the murder and missing bodies of two youth in Kandeu on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the police upon intelligence, arrested a key Suspect, Abu Tijani alias Master One, 35 years old, youth leader of Wechau on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for his involvement in the incident. The suspect has been on the Police wanted list, having earlier escaped arrest on 11/05/2026 and fled into hiding despite police requests through the Paramount chief of Wechau and his elders for him to report and assist investigation. During the arrest, the suspect fiercely struggled with the Police injuring two officers before he was overpowered and successfully arrested.
2. During interrogation, the suspect, now deceased admitted his involvement and indicated that the two murdered bodies were buried at a location in Wechau but were later exhumed shortly and reburied across the Black Volta River in Burkina Faso by him and his accomplices to avoid detection and arrest.
3. The deceased subsequently led investigators to the initial secret burial site about three (3) kilometers west of Wechau towards the Black Volta River. The police dug the grave to the end in search of traces but found none as the deceased explained that the bodies were relocated few days after burial.
4. After returning to Wa, the suspect was being escorted to locate one of his accomplices he stated could be found along the Nakore road, when he suddenly complained of severe headache in the car. As a precautionary measure, the Police immediately abandoned their mission and transported him to the nearest health facility, the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital, Wa, for medical attention. He was admitted at approximately 1:00pm for treatment but was unfortunately pronounced dead at about 4:37pm after efforts by the medical authorities. The body has since been deposited at the Upper West Regional Hospital Morgue for preservation and autopsy.
5. The Upper West Regional Police Command has duly conveyed the news and extended the condolences of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to the Wechau Naa and the immediate deceased family through a three-member delegation from the Paramount Chief. During the meeting, the Regional Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, briefed the delegation on the events leading to the suspect’s demise whilst appealing to the people of Wechau to

remain calm, exercise restraint, and allow due process to take its course. He further assured them of the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to transparent and thorough investigation already initiated by the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB).

6. At the request of the delegation, the Police escorted them to the Regional Hospital mortuary to identify and inspect the body before they returned to brief the Paramount Chief and the people of Wechau.
7. The Upper West Regional Police Command extends its condolences to the bereaved family and reiterates its commitment to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death are fully established through due process. The public is urged to remain calm, avoid speculation, and cooperate with the Police in this matter.

Source: Upper West Media App