5 arrested over murder linked to Asemkor chieftaincy dispute

The Western Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with the brutal murder of 39-year-old John Abban, a key figure in a protracted chieftaincy dispute at Asemkor, a community in the Agona Nkwanta District of the Region.

According to a police statement issued on October 21, 2025, and signed by Superintendent Olivia E.T. Adiku, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Western Regional Police Command, the deceased was reportedly attacked and murdered on October 6, 2025, at Asemkor.

Police investigations have linked the killing to a long-standing dispute over the Asemkor and Butre stools, which had generated significant local tensions in recent months.

The deceased, John Abban, was a brother to the chiefs of both Butre and Asemkor, making him a central figure in the dispute.

His murder, sources say, deepened divisions within the two royal families, prompting swift police intervention.

After the incident, all five suspects allegedly fled Asemkor and went into hiding.

A combined operation led by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate tracked their movements over several days. On October 15, 2025, three of the suspects — Kennedy Abor, alias Abongo (30), Kojo Attah Panyi (20), and Joseph Basses (30) — were arrested at their hideout in Funko, a community near Takoradi.

Further investigations led to the arrest of the two main suspects, identified as Abraham Cudjoe, alias Yalle (39), and Ekow Painstil (45), on October 21, 2025, at Afuaman Ayigbe Town in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

The arrests were carried out through a coordinated intelligence operation between the Western Regional Intelligence Directorate and their counterparts in Accra.

All five suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations and are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.

The police have assured the public of their continued commitment to ensuring peace and justice in Asemkor and its adjoining communities.

Superintendent Adiku further urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers as investigations continue.