The Upper East Regional Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Iddrisu Sumaila and an attack on Sambin Halidu, the elected chief of the Tindorunga community under Worinyanga in the Tempane District.

According to a police statement, officers from the Upper East Regional Police Command travelled to Garu on May 26, 2026, to assist the district command in apprehending suspects linked to the incident.

The suspects arrested are Majeed Bawumya, 34; Milla Justice, 27; and Majeed Awudu, 20.

Police said a search conducted at the residence of Majeed Bawumya Agbango, also known as Atan Majeed, led to the retrieval of a BRUNI MOD 92 Cal. 8mmK pistol, several sharp objects, GH¢600 in cash, and three mobile phones believed to be connected to the crime.

Preliminary investigations indicate that about a month ago, kingmakers of Worinyanga presented three candidates, including Sambin Halidu, to the overlord of Bawku, Naba Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azorka II, for vetting and possible enskinment as chief of Tindorunga.

Police said members of an opposing faction, including suspect Majeed Bawumya Agbango, allegedly protested against the selection of Sambin Halidu and threatened to disrupt the enskinment ceremony scheduled for May 26, 2026.

According to the statement, suspect Alhassan Sabrina and other accomplices currently at large allegedly met at the residence of Majeed Bawumya Agbango on May 25, 2026, where plans were made to disrupt the ceremony.

Police further stated that at about 3:00 a.m. on May 26, while Sambin Halidu and his family were preparing for the enskinment ceremony, the suspects, allegedly armed with offensive weapons including a pistol, stormed the house, fired indiscriminately, and set ablaze a Mitsubishi 4x4 vehicle with registration number GE 1115-13.

Several people sustained injuries during the attack, while Iddrisu Sumaila, who suffered gunshot wounds, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Upper East Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police.