Police arrest eight in connection with murder of Queen Mother of Abamba, deadly armed robbery attack at GB Oil Filling Station

The Ghana Police Service has announced a major breakthrough in investigations into two high-profile criminal cases in the Bono East Region — the murder of the Queen Mother of Abamba, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, and the deadly armed robbery attack at the GB Oil Filling Station near Atebubu.

Addressing the media, the Inspector-General of Police revealed that a special intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of several suspects connected to the two incidents, with some of the suspects confessing to their involvement during interrogation.

According to the IGP, immediately after the incidents were reported, he personally deployed a combined team from the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Unit, and the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit to support the Bono East Regional Police Command in tracking down the perpetrators.

Providing details on the murder of Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, the Queen Mother of Abamba who was shot and killed at her residence on February 25, 2026, the IGP said investigations took a dramatic turn after police in Kasoa arrested some suspects for allegedly preparing to commit robbery.

During interrogation, one of the suspects, Abdul-Razak Ibrahim Langa, alias Zack, reportedly confessed that he had knowledge about the Queen Mother’s murder.

He allegedly told investigators that the “ghost” of the late Queen Mother had been tormenting him, compelling him to speak the truth about the crime.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Nana Yaw Bediako, alias Nana Yaw, who police identified as the gunman who allegedly shot and killed the Queen Mother.

According to the IGP, Nana Yaw confessed to the killing and implicated Nana Owusu Sahkofi II, privately known as Dr. Charles Kofi Owusu, the Chief of Akokoa, as the person who allegedly contracted them to carry out the murder for a promised payment of GH¢50,000.

Police investigations further led to the arrest of Emmanuel Agyemang Darko, the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and Bukari Amadu, a driver, for their alleged involvement in the case.

The Police also linked convicted prisoner Isahaku Alhassan, alias Sule Yangani, to the crime.

He is currently serving a prison sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison and is temporarily being held at the Sunyani Central Prison pending an appeal hearing.

The IGP stated that intelligence gathering, confessional statements, and other evidence obtained by investigators strongly connected the suspects to the murder.

Touching on the armed robbery attack at the GB Oil Filling Station near Atebubu on May 2, 2026, the IGP disclosed that police have so far arrested eight suspects, including two women.

He said three suspects — Adam Adamu, aged 27, Sule Amadu Sobah, aged 22, and Abdulai Ali, aged 45 — are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

Three other suspects identified as Abdul Razak Osman, alias Alhaji Gao, Nuhu Awudu, and Dauda Issah died during police operations linked to the case.

The two female suspects, who are nursing mothers, have however been granted police enquiry bail.

According to police investigations, the alleged mastermind behind the robbery was Abdul Razak Osman, alias Alhaji Gao, who was himself a filling station operator before his death.

Investigators believe Alhaji Gao contracted a criminal gang known as the “Nuhu gang” to rob and kill the owner of the GB Oil Filling Station.

Police said the gang monitored the movements of the station owner on the day of the attack and struck after assuming he had returned to the premises.

Unknown to them, the owner had left the station shortly before the attack.

Realizing they had missed their target, the armed robbers allegedly became enraged and started firing indiscriminately at the filling station, leading to the death of two persons while two others sustained gunshot injuries.

The IGP commended all officers involved in the investigations for their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice in ensuring breakthroughs in both cases.

He also expressed gratitude to members of the public who provided credible information that aided police operations.

Assuring Chiefs of the Bono East Region and the entire country of the Police Service’s commitment to fighting crime, the IGP said law enforcement agencies would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to make life difficult for criminals.

He further issued a stern warning to criminals across the country, stressing that the Police would relentlessly pursue anyone involved in violent crimes.

“We will ensure that all the suspects face the full rigours of the law,” the IGP stated.

He added: “To the criminals out there, watch out — you are the next in line. We are coming for you.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith