The Wa High Court has sentenced serial killer Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as Cristos, for the gruesome murder of Issah Yahaya and twenty-two others.

In a statement issued on March 4, 2026, and signed by the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, it indicated that Shariff Abdulai pleaded guilty to killing sixteen people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.

The police further stated that Issah Yahaya, after being arraigned before the High Court presided over by His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, pleaded guilty simpliciter to the charges.

According to the statement, he was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour.

Killer Confession Spree: Wa murder suspect admits to 15 more crimes

“On Wednesday, March 4, 2025, the High Court in Wa sentenced Shariff Abdulai, alias ‘Cristos,’ to life imprisonment for the murder of Issah Yahaya and twenty-two others. The convict pleaded guilty to killing sixteen people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi,” the statement noted.

The statement also indicated that Cristos is expected to serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

Background

It may be recalled that on October 6, 2026, GhanaWeb reported the arrest of Shariff Abdulai at Adabia, a suburb of Wa, after he allegedly murdered a night security guard, Yahaya Issah.

According to police reports, following his arrest, investigators retrieved belongings of the deceased, including a Villoan keypad mobile phone and a solar-powered portable radio.

A thorough search of Shariff Abdulai’s hideout near the Wa Airstrip also led to the recovery of a cutlass with specially designed edges, a bicycle, and a sack containing meat, all believed to be linked to his victims.

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PRESS RELEASE:

WA HIGH COURT HANDS LIFE SENTENCE TO SERIAL KILLER pic.twitter.com/JMUAg6JZfr

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) March 4, 2026