Police arrest 5 more in Asemkor chieftaincy murder case, total suspects now 10

Five more people have been arrested in connection with the killing of John Abban, who was murdered during a chieftaincy dispute at Asemkor in the Western Region.

The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects linked to the crime to 10, according to a statement issued by Superintendent Olivia E.T. Adiku, Head of Public Affairs for the Western Regional Police Command.

Police say the fresh arrests were made in separate hideouts across the region following an intensive intelligence-led operation.

On Thursday, October 23, 50-year-old Kwabena Asirifi was picked up at Ampataano, near Asemkor.
A day later, three more suspects — James Eshun, also known as Abeiku (25), Joseph Aidoo, alias Moree (45), and 18-year-old Stephen Nyame, also called Joe — were arrested at Abuesi in the Shama District by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate.

Another suspect, 55-year-old Kwabena Musah, who was arrested earlier on October 18 at Ahuntumano near Butre, has already been put before court alongside five others:

Kennedy Abor (30), known as Abongo

Kojo Attah Panyi (20)

Joseph Basses (30)

Abraham Cudjoe, alias Yalle (39)

Ekow Painstil (45)

All six have been remanded into police custody and are expected back in court on October 30, 2025.

The murder took place on October 6 during violent clashes linked to an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Asemkor. The suspects allegedly fled the community after the incident.

Police say investigations are still ongoing and have assured the public that all individuals involved will be brought to justice.