Wa West MP Calls for Transparent Probe into Death of Suspect in Police Custody

The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the death of Abu Tijani, popularly known as “Master One,” who died while in police custody assisting with investigations.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, July 30, Mr Toobu urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing peace efforts in the area.

He described the incident as unfortunate, warning that it could affect mediation efforts aimed at resolving the long-running communal conflict between the Lassia Tuolu and Kendeu communities.

Mr Toobu recounted that the conflict, which began in June 2024, claimed three lives and destroyed property before mediation efforts led by the Upper West Regional Security Council (REGSEC) began restoring calm. He noted that the process suffered a setback after the killing of two young men from Bakpateng in November 2025.

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According to the MP, Abu Tijani had been identified by police as a suspect in the killings and was arrested on July 25, 2026, after previously evading arrest.

He called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a professional investigation into all allegations arising from the conflict, including the circumstances surrounding Abu Tijani’s death, while urging the Attorney-General to ensure the speedy prosecution of all related criminal cases.

Mr Toobu also appealed to both communities to return to the mediation process, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect.

Meanwhile, the Upper West Regional Police Command said Abu Tijani died after falling ill while assisting investigators.

Police said the suspect complained of a severe headache while accompanying officers during investigations and was immediately rushed to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Wa, where he was pronounced dead despite receiving medical attention.

The Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, while his body has been deposited at the Upper West Regional Hospital morgue pending an autopsy.

The Regional Police Command has appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as inquiries continue.