Court Sentences Serial K!ller Shariff ‘Cristos’ To Life For K!lling 23 People
Court Sentences Serial Killer Shariff ‘Cristos’ To Life For Killing 23 People
Serial Killer Shariff ‘Cristos
In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Unit, the police said the judgment was delivered on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The Ghana Police Service has announced that the High Court in Wa has sentenced a notorious serial killer to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of murder committed across several communities.
In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Unit, the police said the judgment was delivered on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The statement was signed by Mr. Francis Yiribaire, DCOP and Regional Police Commander for the Upper West Region, on behalf of the Ghana Police Service.
“On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the High Court in Wa sentenced Shariff Abdulai, alias ‘Cristos’ to life imprisonment for the murder of Issah Yahaya and twenty two (22) others,” the statement said.
The police detailed the scale of the crimes, stating: “The convict pleaded guilty to killing sixteen (16) people in Wa, five (5) in Bole and one (1) each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.”
The plea brought an end to months of investigations into the string of killings that had shaken communities in the Upper West and Savannah areas.
The statement explained that the breakthrough came after sustained police operations.
“On October 6, 2025, Police arrested the convict following sustained, intelligence-led operations and investigations,” the release noted.
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After his arrest, the accused was processed through the courts.
“He was subsequently arraigned before the High Court on March 4, 2026, after committal from the District Magistrate Court. The accused was represented by counsel and pleaded guilty simpliciter to the charge,” the statement said.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge handed down the maximum sentence allowed by law.
“Upon his own plea, the presiding Judge, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, sentenced him to life imprisonment In Hard Labour,” the police confirmed.
Authorities further disclosed that “the convict is to serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison,” bringing closure to one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent years within the region.
Reaffirming its stance on public safety, the Command stressed its resolve to combat crime and protect residents.
“The Command reaffirm its unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and will not relent in the efforts in ensuring a safe and secure atmosphere for law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.
