The Police in Accra have released a press statement giving an update on their investigation into the death of Shadrach Arloo at the West Hills Mall.
On January 30, 2023, the Police began their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Arloo's death and arrested a private security guard, Osei Kwame Boafo, who was alleged to have used a taser on the deceased.
West Hills Mall death
According to the statement, “Initial investigations led to the arrest of Osei Kwame Boafo, a private security guard at the West Hills Mall who was alleged to have used a taser on the deceased during his arrest.”
The statement goes on to explain that witness statements and the post-mortem examination results showed that Arloo had swallowed a foreign substance and died from asphyxiation and obstruction of the airway.
“The pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as Asphyxiation and Obstruction of the airway by a foreign body. He also retrieved from the throat of the deceased, eight (8) zipped bags containing dry leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs tied in a piece of black polythene. The retrieved suspected narcotic substances tested positive for cannabis when submitted for forensic examination, in the presence of all the interested parties.”
The statement also noted that the Police have involved all interested parties in the investigation and urged the public to exercise patience and restraint in matters that are under investigation.
“We would like to put on record that from the very beginning of this incident, the Police have involved all interested parties in the investigation process…We would like to urge the general public to exercise restraint and patience with matters that are under Police investigation in order not to worsen the pain of those who are directly affected by such incidents,” the statement reads.
The case has been forwarded to the Attorney-General's Office for further action. The statement was signed by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Affairs.