By: Hafiz Timbile Adams
The Ghana Police Service has issued a formal press release clarifying the circumstances surrounding the death of 35-year-old Abu Tijani, alias “Master One,” a youth leader from Wechiau and prime suspect in a high-profile double murder investigation.
The official clarification follows rising public scrutiny and accusations after Tijani died while in police custody shortly after his arrest.
According to a press statement released on July 28, 2026, by the Upper West Regional Police Command, Tijani was arrested on Saturday, July 25, 2026, following intelligence linking him to the murder and disappearance of two youths in Kandeu in November 2025. Police noted that the suspect had been on their wanted list for months after previously evading arrest in May 2026.
The police report states that during his apprehension, Tijani violently resisted, injuring two police officers before being overpowered.
During subsequent interrogation, Tijani reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime, explaining that the victims’ bodies were initially buried near Wechau before being exhumed and reburied across the border in Burkina Faso to evade law enforcement. According to investigators, Tijani led officers to the initial grave site near Wechiau to verify his account, where police confirmed an emptied burial site.
While later being escorted along the Nakore road to identify an alleged accomplice, the suspect suddenly complained of a severe headache. Police state they immediately halted the operation and rushed Tijani to the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Wa around 1:00 PM.
Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at approximately 4:37 PM. His body was subsequently transferred to the Upper West Regional Hospital morgue for preservation and an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
Addressing public concerns, Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, met with a delegation sent by the Paramount Chief of Wechau (Wechau Naa) and the suspect’s immediate family to brief them on the timeline of events. Members of the delegation were escorted to the mortuary to inspect the body.
DCOP Yiribaare offered condolences on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and assured the public that the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has launched an internal investigation to ensure full transparency.
Police have urged the public and local community to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from speculation while formal proceedings and the autopsy are conducted.
