CID Intensifies Hunt for Key Suspects in Major Mahama’s Lynching as New Shocking Revelations Emerge

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has mounted an intensive search for 52 suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama at Denkyira-Obuasi in May 2017. Out of these, 12 key suspects — including four Nigerians and four Ghanaians — are reported to have absconded.

On Wednesday, 26 out of the 52 suspects initially arrested were arraigned before the District Court in Accra. According to the Director-General of the CID, DCOP Bright Oduro, the 12 prime suspects were identified in video footage brandishing weapons, firing shots at the late officer, and later pouring petrol on his body before setting it ablaze.

The Key Suspects

The wanted individuals include Yaw Amankwa, alias Bulla; Akwesi Asante; Nana Kwadjo, alias Nana Edjo; John Boakye, a Unit Committee member; and a trader named Sarah, married to a motorbike rider in the town. Others are Kwaku Diesel, Kaya Rasta, Daddy, Boadu, Ahinkra, Tikwa, and Attipar.

DCOP Oduro disclosed that while some of the 52 arrested suspects admitted to using sticks, stones, and blocks during the mob attack, it was the 12 identified ringleaders who played the most brutal roles in the killing. Post-mortem reports confirmed not only fractures to Major Mahama’s head but also bullet wounds, proving he was shot before being set ablaze.

Nigerian Connection and Human Shield Allegations

In a disturbing twist, four Nigerians — Amos Sunday, Amina Naima Mohammed, David Akile, and Debbie Chijioke — are alleged to have used 12 Ghanaian women as human shields during their escape. The women, including Maame Serwaa Obeng, Akua Frema, Janet Bonyah, Gloria Akua Asante, Yaa Asantewaa, Nana Akoto, Linda Agyei, Linda Obeng, Adwoa Sarfoa, Nana Agyemang, Benedicta Opoku, and Adwoa Sefa, were reportedly forced into prostitution. Authorities suspect the fugitives fled through unmonitored Ghanaian borders into Nigeria.

Families of the victims remain intimidated, allegedly by Nigerian community groups in Denkyira-Obuasi, further complicating investigations.

How It Happened

On May 29, 2017, Major Mahama, then commander of a military detachment at Diaso, embarked on a morning walk along the Diaso-Dominase-Ayanfuri road. Wearing civilian clothing but carrying his sidearm, he stopped to buy snails from a woman, who upon spotting his pistol, reported him to the local assembly member. Rumours quickly spread that an armed robber was in town, sparking a mob attack.

Despite attempts to identify himself, Major Mahama was assaulted with clubs, machetes, stones, and cement blocks. He was killed around 10 a.m., and his body later set on fire. Police arrived at the scene 30 minutes later.

A Nation in Mourning

The late Major Mahama’s funeral drew mourners from across Ghana. The solemn ceremony at the forecourt of the State House in Accra was attended by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Second Lady Samira Bawumia, former Presidents John Dramani Mahama and John Agyekum Kufuor, the Speaker of Parliament, and other dignitaries. Tears flowed as his coffin, draped in the national colours, symbolized the tragic loss of a young, promising officer whose death shook the conscience of the nation.

The Call for Justice

The CID has reiterated its appeal for all suspects still at large to surrender at the nearest police station. DCOP Oduro stressed that justice will be pursued relentlessly until all perpetrators are brought before the law.