Bolgatanga: The Wa High Court, presided over by His Lordship, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, has sentenced Shariff Abdulai, known as 'Cristos', to life imprisonment with hard labor at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
According to Ghana News Agency, the judgement follows Abdulai's guilty plea to the murders of 23 individuals across northern Ghana. The convict admitted to killing 16 people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi, as detailed in a statement by DCOP Mr. Francis Yiribaare, the Upper West Regional Police Commander.
The statement reveals that Abdulai was apprehended on October 6, 2025, following extensive intelligence-led investigations into the serial killings in these areas. He was brought before the High Court on March 4, 2026, following committal from the District Magistrate Court. Represented by counsel, Abdulai pleaded guilty to the charges, leading to his sentencing by Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi.
The Upper West Regional Police Command reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property and encouraged residents to assist the police with information to combat crime. Between 2021 and 2022, Wa and the Upper West Region experienced a series of mysterious murders, primarily involving night watchmen found dead at their posts. The latest victim, Mr. Issah Yahaya, was discovered at a motor mechanic shop in Dobile on September 21, 2025, raising the murder count in the region to 16.