Two suspects arrested over kidnapping, murder of Senegalese goalkeeper
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested two foreign nationals in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Senegalese national and goalkeeper Cheikh Toure in October 2025.
The suspects have been identified as 32-year-old Nigerien national Salifu Walid and 24-year-old Burkinabe national Aziz Wadrago Mane.
They were arrested on September 20, 2026, at a hideout in Banpanase, near Mamponteng in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Head of the Police Public Affairs Department, Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led investigations.
The operation was conducted by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the Police Headquarters in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region.
Toure’s body was found at the Manhyia District Government Hospital on October 16, 2025, after three unidentified men, believed by investigators to be foreign nationals, allegedly abandoned it there.
The discovery triggered investigations by the Ghana Police Service to identify those responsible for the death and establish the motive behind the killing.
According to preliminary investigations, Walid and Mane are members of a four-man group allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Toure.
Police said intelligence gathered so far indicates that the suspects and their accomplices allegedly operated under the guise of football scouting agents.
They are accused of using online platforms and personal networks to lure unsuspecting individuals to Ghana with promises of football-related opportunities.
During interrogation, the two suspects allegedly admitted their involvement and disclosed their respective roles in luring Toure to Ghana, according to the police statement.
The suspects also reportedly mentioned Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, alias Prince Pierre, as an alleged accomplice who remains at large.
Police believe Sylviain played a key role in the suspected cross-border operation.
Another foreign national, identified only as Barry, is also being sought by investigators.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command said it has intensified efforts to apprehend the two wanted suspects and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the crime.
Walid and Mane remain in police custody and are expected to be processed for court as investigations continue.
The Police Service assured the public that it would continue efforts to apprehend all persons found to have played a role in the alleged kidnapping and murder of Cheikh Toure.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
