The Ashanti South Police Command has made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of the Kusasi Chief, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, with the arrest of three suspects believed to be directly involved in the crime.
Chief Azenbe was tragically shot and killed on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Asawase F-Line in Kumasi. Eyewitnesses reported that two armed men on a motorcycle carried out the attack, one of them wielding an AK-47 rifle. The shocking incident sent waves of fear and grief throughout the community, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
The suspects now in custody have been identified as Jamil Usman, also known as Babamu or Guru; Suleman Yasir Arafat, also known as Obasanjo; and Ashaidu Sumbieda, also known as Eyeshadow. Investigations by the Ashanti South Police Command have linked all three individuals to the murder of the Kusasi Chief.
Addressing the media during a press briefing at the Ashanti South Police Command, Crime Officer Superintendent Stephen Antwi confirmed the arrests. He stated that the suspects would be handed over to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, as the crime occurred within their jurisdiction.
“This arrest is the result of intensive investigative work and strong coordination among our officers. We are determined to ensure justice is served for the late Kusasi Chief and his family,” Superintendent Antwi emphasized.
He further confirmed that the arrests form part of a broader intelligence-led operation aimed at combating armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and other violent crimes in the region. The operations have so far led to the arrest of twelve suspects and the seizure of a cache of high-powered weapons and ammunition.
The police revealed that an earlier operation along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway saw officers engage a gang of armed men in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Two suspects, David Aheto, 42, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, were fatally shot during the confrontation. Four other suspects, including Abdallah Alhassan and Jemini Usman (alias Babamu), were arrested on the spot along with weapons and ammunition.
Subsequent investigations and sustained intelligence operations led to the arrest of eight additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to twelve. Among them are Illiasu Dauda, Majeed Issaka Jibril, Gafar Ibrahim, Mohammed Mumuni (alias Mama), Tanko Malik (alias Bronze), Mohammed Bawa (alias Mallam), Jamil Usman (alias Babamu alias Guru), Suleman Yasir Arafat (alias Obasanjo), Ashaidu Sumbieda (alias Zaki), and Dramani Musah. Out of the twelve suspects, nine are currently on remand.
The Ashanti South Police Command has assured the public of a thorough investigation and urged anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, a manhunt continues for any remaining perpetrators connected to the attack.
The death of Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe has left the Asawase community in deep mourning, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region and the urgent need for vigilance and community cooperation with law enforcement.
