The Wa High Court has sentenced a serial killer to life imprisonment with hard labour after he pleaded guilty to murdering 23 people across two regions of Ghana.
The convict, Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as “Cristos,” admitted to killing Issah Yahaya and 22 other victims in a series of murders that occurred in the Upper West and Savannah regions.
According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service in the Upper West Region,on March 4, 2026, Abdulai confessed to committing 16 murders in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.
Police said the suspect was arrested on October 6, 2025, following sustained intelligence-led operations and investigations by the security services.
After his arrest, Abdulai was committed by a District Magistrate Court and later arraigned before the High Court in Wa on March 4, 2026. Represented by counsel, he pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.
Presiding judge Justice Osei‑Wusu Antwi subsequently convicted Abdulai based on his own plea and sentenced him to life imprisonment with hard labour.
The convict is expected to serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of citizens. The police assured the public that it will continue to pursue criminals and strengthen measures to maintain peace across the country.
