The Ashanti Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested two foreign nationals in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure. The suspects, identified as Salifu Walid, a 32-year-old Nigerien national, and Aziz Wadrago Mane, a 24-year-old Burkinabe national, were arrested on September 20 at a hideout in Banpanase, near Mamponteng, in the Ashanti Region.
According to the police, the operation was carried out by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the Police Headquarters in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region. The arrest follows months of intelligence-led investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Toure, whose body was abandoned at the Manhyia District Government Hospital in Kumasi on October 16, 2025.
The police investigation revealed that three unidentified men, believed to be foreign nationals, brought Toure's body to the hospital before leaving the facility. Preliminary investigations have linked Walid and Mane to a four-member group allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Toure. The group is believed to have operated under the guise of football scouting agents, using online platforms and personal networks to lure unsuspecting individuals into Ghana with promises of football-related opportunities.
During interrogation, Walid and Mane allegedly admitted to being involved in the crime and disclosed their respective roles in luring Toure into Ghana. However, the police have not disclosed the specific circumstances under which Toure was allegedly kidnapped or how he died. The police also revealed that Walid and Mane named Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, alias Prince Pierre, as an alleged accomplice who is currently on the run.
The police believe that Sylviain played a central role in what they describe as a suspected cross-border operation. Another foreign national identified only as Barry is also being sought. The Ashanti Regional Police Command said it had intensified efforts to arrest the two alleged accomplices and identify other persons who may have been involved in the crime.
Walid and Mane remain in police custody and are expected to be processed for court as investigations continue. The Police Service said it would continue its investigations to identify and apprehend all persons found to have played a role in the alleged kidnapping and murder of Cheikh Toure.
The case highlights the need for increased collaboration between security agencies to combat cross-border crimes. The police have urged the public to provide any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects and the resolution of the case. Key points: Two foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure; The suspects allegedly operated under the guise of football scouting agents; The police are seeking two other suspects believed to be involved in the crime.
Key points
- Two foreign nationals arrested in connection with alleged kidnapping and murder of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure
- Suspects allegedly operated under guise of football scouting agents
- Police seeking two other suspects believed to be involved in crime
