Murder suspect dies in police custody; PPSB launches investigation into Kandau case

A leading suspect in the murder of two youths in Kandau, Upper West Region, has died in police custody, prompting the Police Professional Standards Bureau to launch an investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Abu Tijani, alias Master One, aged 35, died on Saturday, July 25, 2026, shortly after his arrest whilst assisting investigators into the killings that occurred on November 23, 2025. The suspect, a youth leader from Wechau, had been evading arrest since May 2026 after allegedly escaping initial detention.

What happened during arrest and interrogation

Following his capture, Tijani admitted to involvement in the Kandau murders during interrogation and disclosed information about the movement of the victims' bodies. He led investigators to a burial site approximately three kilometres west of Wechau towards the Black Volta River, though no remains were discovered at that location.

The suspect alleged that he and accomplices had exhumed the bodies and transported them across the Black Volta River into Burkina Faso to evade detection. Whilst being escorted to identify another alleged accomplice along the Nakore road, Tijani complained of severe headaches whilst in the police vehicle.

Officers immediately transported him to the Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital in Wa, where he was admitted around 1:00pm. Medical staff pronounced him dead at approximately 4:37pm despite treatment efforts. His body was subsequently transferred to the Upper West Regional Hospital Morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Why this matters for Ghana

Custodial deaths attract intense scrutiny in Ghana's criminal justice system, particularly given public concerns about police conduct and due process. The PPSB investigation will be crucial in determining whether proper procedures were followed during Tijani's arrest, detention and medical care. The case highlights ongoing debates about transparency and accountability within the Ghana Police Service.

The incident has also complicated investigations into the original Kandau murders, which have drawn significant regional attention since November 2025. The loss of a key suspect means investigators must rely on other evidence and potential accomplices to establish what occurred.

Police response and community engagement

Upper West Regional Police Commander DCOP Francis Yiribaare briefed traditional authorities and community representatives from Wechau, assuring them of the police service's commitment to transparent investigation through the PPSB. At the community delegation's request, police escorted them to view Tijani's body at the Regional Hospital mortuary before they returned to brief the Paramount Chief and local residents.

The Ghana Police Service has urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and allow due process to establish the full facts surrounding Tijani's death. The ongoing inquiry is expected to examine whether any irregularities occurred in connection with his arrest, treatment or the circumstances leading to his death.