Residents of Wa are intensifying their call for justice following the brutal murder of Alhaji Mutala Mahama, whose throat was slit during a violent attack at his home on April 11, 2024.
The community’s demand for immediate trial and transparency has grown following recent developments in the case.
Abdu Halim Yahaya, one of the suspects initially arrested shortly after the murder, was released on bail but was re-arrested on August 17, 2024, following the arrest of another suspect.
This led to heightened anticipation among residents who gathered at the Wa Magistrate Court early in the morning, eager to see the suspects formally charged and the legal process commence.
Tensions rose when the presiding judge unexpectedly exited the courtroom and departed without explanation.
This abrupt action left the crowd bewildered and frustrated. As the realization of a stalled process set in, the agitated residents shifted their focus to the nearby Upper West Regional Police Command, their numbers swelling as they moved towards the station.
Faced with the large and increasingly restless crowd, police fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the gathering.
Despite the arrest of one protester, the crowd remained resolute, chanting the name of a suspect who is a native of Wa, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the case’s handling.
Kayum Hussein Tendana, spokesperson for the deceased’s family, expressed deep disappointment and frustration.
He criticized the delay in the legal proceedings, which had raised hopes following the arrests on August 17. Tendana stressed that the community expected the suspects to be remanded and the judicial process to advance promptly.
Tendana also pointed out that the suspects are believed to be linked not only to Mutala’s murder but also to a series of other killings in Wa.
He called on families affected by the ongoing violence to engage actively in the case and urged the police to expedite the trial process.
He emphasized that swift legal action is crucial not only for his family but for the entire Wa community, which has been plagued by fear and anger since the spate of killings began.