Police Arrest Chief, Uncover Alleged Contract Killing of Abama Queen

ATEBUBU — Police in the Bono East Region say they have uncovered an alleged contract killing linked to a land dispute, leading to the arrest of a chief and the detention of several suspects.

According to police, on February 25, two men traveled from Accra to Atebubu and shot dead the Queen of Abama at her residence. The victim, who also operated a chop bar in Atebubu, was shot six times shortly after returning home late that evening. The assailants fled the scene and returned to Accra the following day.

Police say the murder is connected to a land dispute the queen had recently won in court against a chief from a neighboring town.

Investigations took a turn on May 14 when the Kasoa Police intercepted an alleged armed robbery gang. During interrogation, one suspect confessed to involvement in the Atebubu killing, citing what he described as being “haunted” by the victim’s ghost. He identified the group’s leader as the alleged gunman. The leader had reportedly been released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence.

The suspects told police that the operation was commissioned by an inmate serving a 77-year sentence for armed robbery at Ankaful Prisons. They alleged the inmate was acting on behalf of the chief involved in the land dispute, and that the group was promised GH¢50,000 for the killing.

Police say GH¢40,000 had been paid upfront, but the remaining GH¢10,000 was never released. When officers located the chief at his residence in Kumasi, he allegedly offered a GH¢200,000 bribe to halt investigations and advanced GH¢100,000 on the spot. He was arrested, and the money was retained as evidence.

The Atebubu Police say investigations are ongoing. All suspects, including the chief and the incarcerated inmate, are expected to face charges in connection with the murder and attempted bribery.