Wa: High Court hands life sentence to man behind 23 killings

The High Court in Wa has sentenced a 44-year-old man, Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as “Cristos”, to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the murder of 23 people across several communities in northern Ghana.

The conviction follows months of investigations by the police after a series of killings that unsettled residents in parts of the Upper West, Savannah and Bono regions.

Guilty plea

Abdulai admitted before the court that he was responsible for the deaths of 16 people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.

According to a police press release dated March 4, Abdulai was arrested on October 6, 2025, after what authorities described as sustained intelligence-led operations and investigations.

Following his arrest, he was processed for court and later committed to stand trial by the District Magistrate Court.

Court proceedings

The accused person was subsequently arraigned before the High Court in Wa, where he was represented by counsel.

During proceedings, Abdulai entered a plea of guilty simpliciter to the charge of murder.

Presiding Judge, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, after considering the plea and the circumstances of the case, sentenced Abdulai to life imprisonment with hard labour.

Sentence and detention

The court further ordered that the convict be transferred to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison to begin serving his sentence.

The Upper West Regional Police Command said the conviction demonstrated the security agencies’ determination to ensure justice for victims of violent crimes.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.