Two Nigerian nationals arrested in Tamale over murder of compatriot; fraud dispute suspected

The Northern Regional Police Command has made significant progress in investigating the murder of a Nigerian national whose body was discovered in his Tamale home last weekend. Two suspects, Daniel Victor Eze and David Oko Ewa, have been arrested following an intelligence-led operation near the Ghana–Togo border at Tatale, where they were allegedly attempting to flee the country.

The victim, 36-year-old Nkemujika Uzorchuku Eze, was found dead in his bedroom at Sanzirigu on Saturday, 11 July, with visible injuries including a deep cut to his forehead and a towel forced into his mouth. The bedroom had been deliberately ransacked, and police recovered a wooden pestle that is believed to have been used in the attack. His body was transported to Tamale Teaching Hospital, where medical officers confirmed his death, and it has since been transferred to the hospital mortuary pending a full autopsy.

Investigation reveals motive rooted in fraud disputes

During interrogation, the arrested suspects allegedly confessed to conspiring to kill the deceased following a dispute over proceeds from internet fraud activities. This disclosure has provided investigators with a clear motive for the crime and suggests the killing was not a random act but a deliberate act stemming from criminal disagreements amongst the group.

Preliminary findings indicate that the victim lived in a three-bedroom apartment with his wife, Peace Uzorchuku, the two arrested suspects, and another Nigerian national identified as Godwin Nwafor. The close living arrangements suggest a shared operation, with investigators exploring whether all residents were involved in the alleged fraudulent activities that appear to have triggered the fatal confrontation.

A search conducted following the arrests yielded substantial evidence. Police recovered multiple items reportedly stolen from the victim's room, including mobile phones, laptops, a tablet, jewellery, wristwatches, clothing and personal documents. All seized items have been retained as exhibits for forensic analysis and court proceedings.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case highlights the growing issue of organised criminal networks operating across West Africa, with Ghana serving as a hub for some of these activities. The involvement of Nigerian nationals in serious crimes within Ghanaian territory underscores the need for stronger regional cooperation and border security measures. Internet fraud operations targeting victims across multiple countries represent a transnational threat that requires coordinated law enforcement responses.

Additionally, the case reflects broader security concerns in the Northern Region, where such organised crimes can destabilise communities and create perception challenges for Ghana's tourism and investment sectors. The swift arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of Ghana's police intelligence operations, but also indicates the prevalence of such networks requiring sustained attention.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are scheduled to appear before a court in Tamale on Monday, 13 July. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic analysis and CCTV footage retrieval forming key components of the police's case building. The Northern Regional Police Command has appealed to the public for any credible information that could assist the investigation, assuring that all individuals connected to the crime will face justice.