Ghanaian Court Sentences Serial Killer to Life Imprisonment for Murdering 23 People

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that a High Court in Wa has sentenced a notorious serial killer to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the murder of 23 individuals across multiple communities.

In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Unit on Wednesday, the police announced that the judgment was delivered on March 4, 2026.

The convict, identified as Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as “Cristos,” admitted to killing 16 people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.

According to the police, Abdulai was arrested on October 6, 2025, following sustained intelligence-led operations and investigations into the string of killings that had terrorised communities in the Upper West and Savannah regions.

He was subsequently processed through the courts and arraigned before the High Court on March 4, 2026, after committal from the District Magistrate Court. During the proceedings, the accused, who was represented by counsel, pleaded guilty to the charges.

Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, sentenced him to life imprisonment with hard labour.

The police confirmed that the convict would serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, bringing closure to one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent years.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Ghana Police Service stated that it would not relent in its efforts to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere for law-abiding citizens.