The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 39-year-old suspect in connection with the death of University of Cape Coast (UCC) student, Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, as investigations into the shocking incident continue.
The suspect, identified by police as Michael Mensah, was apprehended on Monday, June 15, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast. Authorities say he is being investigated in relation to allegations of murder.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has attracted widespread public attention following the discovery of the student’s body at Hutchland Beach near Duakor in Cape Coast.
Timeline of Events
Preliminary investigations indicate that on June 11, 2026, the suspect allegedly picked up the deceased from Ayensu Plaza within the University of Cape Coast hostel enclave before taking her to Hutchland Beach, where she was reportedly last seen alive.
Earlier reports from the University of Cape Coast revealed that the deceased, a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student, had left her hostel after receiving a phone call and failed to return, prompting concern among friends and colleagues. Her body was later discovered along the shoreline, leading to a police investigation.
Police Step Up Investigation
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that every effort is being made to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The arrest follows the deployment of a special investigative team and extensive intelligence gathering aimed at uncovering the events leading to the tragic incident. Authorities have indicated that further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
Awaiting Autopsy Findings
While investigators continue to piece together the events preceding the student’s death, police have also initiated procedures for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Initial observations reportedly found no obvious signs of physical injury on the body, making the findings of the autopsy crucial to the investigation. The results are expected to provide important insights that could guide subsequent legal and investigative actions.
Calls for Justice
The tragic death of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu has sparked grief across the University of Cape Coast community and beyond, with students, lecturers, and members of the public calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
University authorities have expressed their condolences to the family and pledged support for affected students while cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies.
As investigations continue, the nation awaits answers regarding the circumstances that led to the death of the young student and the outcome of the legal process that will follow.
