The Ashanti Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested two foreign nationals in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Senegalese national and goalkeeper, Cheikh Toure, in October 2025. The suspects, identified as 32-year-old Nigerien national Salifu Walid and 24-year-old Burkinabe national Aziz Wadrago Mane, were arrested on September 20, 2026, at their hideout at Banpanase, near Mamponteng, in the Ashanti Region.
According to the police, the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led investigations conducted by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the Police Headquarters in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), Ashanti Region. The police stated that the investigations led to the identification of Walid and Mane as members of a four-man group allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Toure.
The body of Toure was brought to and abandoned at the Manhyia District Government Hospital on October 16, 2025, by three unidentified men believed by investigators to be foreign nationals. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body prompted investigations by the Ghana Police Service to identify those responsible and establish the motive for the killing.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Walid and Mane, along with their accomplices, operated under the guise of football scouting agents. They allegedly used online platforms and networking to lure unsuspecting victims into Ghana with promises of football-related opportunities. The police believe that this was the modus operandi used to lure Toure into the country.
During interrogation, the two suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the crime and disclosed their respective roles in luring Toure into the country. The suspects also reportedly named Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, alias Prince Pierre, as an alleged accomplice who is currently on the run. According to the Police, Sylviain is believed to have played a central role in the suspected cross-border operation.
Another foreign national identified only as Barry is also being sought by investigators. The Ashanti Regional Police Command said it had intensified efforts to arrest the two named accomplices and identify other persons who may have been involved in the crime. The police remain committed to bringing all persons found to have played a role in the kidnapping and murder of Cheikh Toure to justice.
Walid and Mane remain in Police custody and are expected to be processed before court as investigations continue. The police assured the public that efforts would continue to ensure that justice is served in this case. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border crimes.
Key points
- Two foreign nationals, Salifu Walid and Aziz Wadrago Mane, have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure.
- The suspects allegedly operated under the guise of football scouting agents, using online platforms to lure victims into Ghana with promises of football-related opportunities.
- The police are still seeking two other suspects, Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain and Barry, who are believed to have been involved in the crime.
