North East Region: 4 arrested over murder of 70-year-old accused of witchcraft
The North East Regional Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with the brutal killing of a 70-year-old woman, Noab Bilatukin, who was accused of witchcraft in Sangbana—a farming community in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District.
The suspects—Suuk Jakwa (67), Banyiwoo Ntookwib (32), Moapya Kwayaja (30), and Amos Nlaji (29)—allegedly conspired with others, who are currently on the run, to attack and lynch the elderly woman.
According to the North East Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain, the incident occurred on July 10, 2025, when the suspects accused the victim of casting spells within the community. They reportedly assaulted and lynched her before fleeing the scene.
Following credible intelligence, police arrested the suspects at various hideouts in and around Bunkpurugu on July 14, 2025. They are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
DSP Anmain strongly condemned the act and assured the public that all individuals involved will face justice. He also warned against mob justice and the stigmatization of individuals as witches, noting that such actions are not only unlawful but often lead to tragic outcomes.
“Witchcraft accusations, especially against older women, remain a disturbing issue in parts of rural Ghana,” he said.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have long raised concerns about the widespread abuse, violence, and even killings of elderly women accused of witchcraft in Ghana’s northern regions. These acts often stem from superstition, misinformation, and deeply rooted cultural beliefs.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicions or disputes to law enforcement, rather than taking matters into their own hands.
