Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of the Kusasi Chief at Asawase in Kumasi, following ongoing police investigations into the incident.

This was announced by the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, Joseph Nyaaba, during a media briefing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He identified the suspects as Jamil Usman, also known as Babamu or Guru; Suleman Yasir Arafat, alias Obasanjo; and Ashaidu Sumbieda, popularly called Eyeshadow.

According to him, steps are being taken to transfer the suspects to the Ashanti Regional Police Command to assist with further investigations.

He disclosed that a cache of weapons and ammunition was retrieved during the operation, including two AK-47 rifles, a pump-action shotgun, two pistols, 44 rounds of .32 ammunition, and 24 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Providing background to the arrests, DCOP Nyaaba recalled an earlier intelligence-led operation along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway, where police engaged a group of armed men. Two suspects—David Aheto, 42, and Illiasu Bawa, 32—were fatally shot during the exchange, while several others were apprehended and weapons seized.

Subsequent operations and follow-up intelligence have led to more arrests and the recovery of additional arms, while also helping police identify individuals believed to be linked to the Asawase killing.

DCOP Nyaaba revealed that the number of suspects currently in custody has risen to 12. Among those arrested are Illiasu Dauda, Majeed Issaka Jibril, Gafar Ibrahim, Mohammed Mumuni (alias Mama), Tanko Malik (alias Bronze), and Mohammed Bawa (alias Mallam), along with others previously named.

Out of the 12 suspects, nine have been remanded, while efforts are ongoing to track down a key suspect, Illiasu, also known as Abodam, who remains on the run.

He stressed that the police remain committed to retrieving all illegal firearms believed to be in circulation within the network, noting that the scale of arrests and weapons seized highlights the seriousness of the operation.

Reaffirming the police service’s stance, he emphasised zero tolerance for armed robbery and the illegal possession or trafficking of weapons, assuring the public that all individuals involved will be pursued and brought to justice.

On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, DCOP Nyaaba commended officers who took part in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing useful intelligence and urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the fugitive suspect or others involved in illegal arms trade to report to the nearest police station.

Gang leader, Eric Acheampong Adu, in a robbery incident at Ohwim Tigo Junction in Kumasi, has been confirmed dead.

Addressing the media on Monday, February 23, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed that the deceased, who is specialised in the snatching of pickup and Land Cruiser vehicles, sustained gunshot wounds during the operation with the police and later passed on.

The IGP noted “Suspect Eric Acheampong Adu, who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, has passed on. Our investigation further established that this criminal syndicate, led by the deceased suspect, specialised in the snatching of pickup and Land Cruiser vehicle”.

The four other culprits; Akwasi Manu, Bashiru Tanko, Kwaju Amponsah and Emmanuel Kwame Apea are in police custody assisting with investigations. Akwasi Manu was arrested after the police traced a mobile phone belonging to the deceased in his possession on Wednesday, February 18. Bashiru Tanko, was arrested at Atonsu High School Junction in Kumasi on February 19, 2026

Kwaju Amponsah and Emmanuel Kwame Apea, on February 21 and 22 at Hwireso near Buokrom and the Danyame Soldier Barracks in Kumasi, respectively. On Tuesday February 10, the gang reportedly attacked the victim, identified as Andrews Amankwa, shot him, and made away with his Toyota Hilux vehicle. Andrews Amankwa was receiving treatment at the hospital was later pronounced dead.

Two suspects by name Kelvin Addai and Samuel Gyamfi were arrested after being accused of brutally assaulting and murdering a 36-year-old woman in Sene Bokankye, Ashanti Region.The incident, which took place on February 8, 2024, involved the suspects invading the woman's home during a robbery attempt.

According to reports from myjoyonline.com, the accused individuals allegedly used a cement block to strike the victim's head twice while she was asleep.They then proceeded to sexually assault her after realising she had died, also stealing her mobile phone and GHC42.00 in cash.

The victim's body was discovered by neighbours in a pool of blood, prompting her son to raise an alarm upon returning from school and finding his mother in such a state.Police investigations revealed deep cuts on her left ear, severe head injuries, blunt force trauma, and signs of sexual assault.

The suspects confessed during interrogation that they had entered the victim's residence to smoke Indian hemp before deciding to rob her.Inspector Abdul-Wahab Yusif Seoune from the Abuakwa Police led the investigation, which resulted in the recovery of the stolen phone and sim card, leading to the arrests of the suspects.Her autopsy report indicated severe head injuries, blunt force trauma and unnatural sex.

The suspects, during police interrogation, confirmed that they had gone to the uncompleted building where the deceased resides to smoke Indian hemp, following which they invaded her room to steal.

Police detective, Inspector Abdul-Wahab Yusif Seoune of the Abuakwa Police, led the investigation which traced the stolen phone and sim card of the deceased to the two suspects, leading to their arrests.Samuel Addai was apprehended on March 17, 2024, in Atwima Bokankye, while his accomplice was captured in Medie-Accra two days later after attempting to flee.Both suspects face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder and have appeared before the Akropong District Court.The investigation is ongoing, with DNA tests planned to match swabs from the victim's body to the accused, further solidifying the case against them.