The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested two foreign nationals in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Senegalese national and goalkeeper Cheikh Toure, whose body was discovered in Kumasi in October 2025.
The suspects, identified by the police as 32-year-old Nigerien national Salifu Walid and 24-year-old Burkinabe national Aziz Wadrago Mane, were arrested on September 20, 2026, at a hideout in Banpanase, near Mamponteng, in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led investigations by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the Police Headquarters, working in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), Ashanti Region.
How the Senegalese goalkeeper was found dead
Cheikh Toure’s body was brought to the Manhyia District Government Hospital on October 16, 2025, by three unidentified men whom investigators believed to be foreign nationals.
The discovery triggered a police investigation aimed at identifying the people responsible for his death and establishing the circumstances and motive surrounding the killing.
The latest police investigation has since linked Walid and Mane to a suspected four-member group allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of the Senegalese goalkeeper.
Suspects allegedly operated as football scouts
The Ghana Police Service said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects and their alleged accomplices operated under the guise of football scouting agents.
According to the police, the group allegedly used online platforms and networking opportunities to lure unsuspecting individuals into Ghana with promises of football-related opportunities.
Police said that during interrogation, the two arrested suspects allegedly admitted their involvement and disclosed their respective roles in luring Toure into Ghana.
The allegations remain subject to further investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
Police name alleged accomplices
Investigators have also identified other individuals they believe may have been involved in the suspected operation.
The two arrested suspects reportedly mentioned Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, also known as Prince Pierre, as an alleged accomplice who is currently on the run.
Police said 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 efforts have been intensified to arrest the two named accomplices and establish the identities and roles of any other individuals who may have participated in the alleged kidnapping and murder.
Suspects to face court
Salifu Walid and Aziz Wadrago Mane remain in police custody and are expected to be processed for court as investigations continue.
The police have assured the public that investigations will continue until all persons found to have played a role in the kidnapping and murder of Cheikh Toure are identified and brought before the appropriate authorities.
The case also highlights the risks associated with fraudulent football recruitment schemes, particularly where individuals are lured across borders with promises of opportunities in professional football.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the arrested suspects will have to be tested through due legal process.
