Police arrest bike thieves over killing of nine in Jigawa

The Ashanti Regional Police have apprehended two foreign nationals, Salifu Walid and Aziz Wadrago Mane, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure. The suspects, aged 32 and 24 respectively, were taken into custody on September 20 at a hideout in Banpanase, near Mamponteng, in the Ashanti Region.

Their arrest comes after months of intelligence-led investigations into Toure's death, whose body was found abandoned at Manhyia District Government Hospital in Kumasi on October 16, 2025.

Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo disclosed that the operation was conducted by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate in the Ashanti Region. The suspects were identified as part of a four-member group, believed to be foreign nationals, who transported Toure's body to the hospital before departing. Preliminary investigations have implicated Walid and Mane as members of this group, which allegedly operated under the guise of football scouting agents.

The group reportedly used online platforms and personal networks to entice individuals into Ghana with promises of football-related opportunities. During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted their involvement and disclosed their roles in luring Toure into the country. Police have also identified Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, alias Prince Pierre, as another alleged accomplice, who is currently at large, and another foreign national known as Barry, who remains at large.

Walid and Mane are currently in police custody and are expected to face court as investigations continue. The police have vowed to intensify efforts to arrest all those involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder of Cheikh Toure.