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Diasporia News of Sunday, 27 January 2019

Source: nbcwashington.com

US-based Ghanaian killed lover because she wanted a break

US-based Ghanaian, Daniel Kankam US-based Ghanaian, Daniel Kankam

A 44-year-old Ghanaian based in the United States is said to have shot and killed his girlfriend because she wanted to break up with him.

Daniel Kankam, who was arrested on Tuesday, January 15, was charged with murder in the death of 35-year-old Somaya Hussein Ahmed.

The suspect, a married father of two, is said to have killed Ahmed at her home in Alexandria, Virginia just before midnight on Friday, January 11, 2019.

The deceased, aside being in a relationship with the accused, also Ahmed worked for Kankam at his company, K-1 Tactical Security Services, prosecutors say.

Kankam appeared in court last Thursday and his attorney asked the judge to set bond, saying that he was very stressed in jail.

“If the Commonwealth is alleging you placed a gun in your paramour’s mouth and pulled the trigger, that would be stressful,” a prosecutor responded.

The prosecutor said Ahmed's cell phone was recording a video the night she was shot as she told Kankam she wanted to end their relationship.

"You are pissing me off," Kankam allegedly told her in the recording.

He is allegedly seen grabbing the phone before the recording ends, prosecutors said.

Investigators believe soon after the recording Kankam put the gun in the victim's mouth and fired.

Kankam then allegedly tried to create an alibi by texting the victim’s cell phone “Where are you."

Prosecutors said Kankam had threatened to shoot Ahmed at least one other time. Another video on her phone taken in October 2018 shows the couple sitting outside her apartment. She can be heard telling him she wants to break things off.

The video allegedly shows Kankam pulling out his gun and pointing it at her.

"Are you going to shoot me?" Ahmed asks.

The video allegedly shows Kankam put the gun back in the holster.

Kankam's wife wiped away tears as she listened to the details of the case on Thursday. She declined to comment as she left court.

The couple's home is blocks away from the murder scene.

Authorities found six guns, including an AR-15, during a search of Kankam's apartment and storage unit, prosecutors said.

Defence attorneys argued the guns shouldn't raise alarm because Kankam owned a security company.