The late Asamponhene, Nana Kwadwo Aforduo and Anwan Sadat Mohammed aka Alhaji
IT HAS emerged that Anwar Sadat Mohammed, aka ‘Alhaji’ or ‘Mallam’, the prime suspect in the murder of Otumfuo’s Asamponhene, Oheneba Kwadwo Aforduo, was planning to settle in Burkina Faso to start a new life.
There were initial reports that Alhaji could run to either Mali or Benin, where it was rumoured that he has special links but he chose to remain in Burkina Faso instead.
“Suspect had fled the country to neighbouring Burkina Faso to settle with the family but luck, however, eluded him and was arrested,” ASP Godwin Ahianyo of the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Unit has said in a press statement.
Asamponhene Murdered
The Asamponhene was found dead in his black Land Cruiser vehicle at Ebuom, near Atebubu, in the evening of August 18, 2019. It was initially suspected that he had died through a gory crash.
But after police investigations, it was gathered that the chief had been stabbed several times by his killers, who later on wanted to burn him and his vehicle in order to cover up their heinous crime.
Other road users saw a thick smoke and when they rushed to the scene, they saw the body of the Asamponhene lying in between the front and the back seats of the partly burnt car.
Killer Flee With Children
In the press release, which was issued on Wednesday night, the police disclosed that the suspect fled the country together with his wife, Nana Yaa Asantewaa Bonsu, Pakyi Number One Queenmother, and their children.
“His wife, the Queenmother of Pakyi No. 1 has been evacuated with their children to Kumasi and assisting the command in investigations,” it said.
In the release, the police acknowledged that security forces in Ghana and Burkina Faso, as well as the Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso, teamed up before they could apprehend the suspect in Ouagadougou on Monday.
According to the police, the assistance of the public to the police also contributed immensely in apprehending Alhaji.
“The command would also use this medium to thank members of the general public, who volunteered information and especially the driver and passengers on board a Ghanaian-bound bus in Burkina Faso for their assistance in apprehending the said suspect,” the statement added.
Sadat Cooperates
Meanwhile, DAILY GUIDE has gathered that Sadat Mohammed has been cooperating with investigators since he was nabbed. According to reports, the suspect has given key information regarding what led to the killing of the chief.
Queenmother’s Health Improves
In a related development, the queenmother, who was taken ill while in police custody, is reported to be making progress at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr.,Kumasi