Wa High Court sentences ‘Cristos’ to life imprisonment for murder of 23 people

The High Court in Wa has sentenced 44-year-old Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as “Cristos,” to life imprisonment with hard labour after he pleaded guilty to the murder of 23 individuals across three regions in northern Ghana.

The convict admitted before presiding judge Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi that he was responsible for the deaths of 16 people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.

Abdulai was arrested on October 6, 2025, following what police described as sustained intelligence-led operations and months of investigations into a series of killings that had unsettled residents in parts of the Upper West, Savannah, and Bono regions.

According to a police press release dated March 4, the accused was initially processed before a District Magistrate Court before being committed to stand trial at the High Court.

During court proceedings, Abdulai, who was represented by counsel, entered a plea of guilty simpliciter to the charge of murder. After considering the plea and circumstances of the case, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi handed down the life sentence.

The court has ordered that Abdulai be transferred to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison to serve his sentence.

In a statement following the conviction, the Upper West Regional Police Command described the outcome as a demonstration of the security agencies’ determination to ensure justice for victims of violent crimes.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across the region.