A crack team of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of a student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), following what authorities described as sustained intelligence-led investigations.
The suspect, identified as Michael Mensah, was apprehended on Sunday, June 15, 2026, by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast.
According to a police statement, the arrest was carried out at approximately 7:15 p.m. after investigators tracked the suspect through a series of intelligence-gathering operations aimed at unraveling the circumstances surrounding the student’s disappearance and subsequent death.
The victim has been identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a student of the University of Cape Coast whose death has generated widespread concern among students, residents, and members of the public.
Police preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly had contact with the deceased on June 11, 2026, shortly before she was reported missing.
Investigators disclosed that at about 6:48 p.m. on that day, Michael Mensah allegedly picked up Innocentia Atsufui Avinu from Ayensu Plaza, located within the UCC hostel enclave.
The suspect reportedly transported the student from the university area to Hutchland Beach, a location where she was subsequently last seen alive.
Police say available evidence gathered so far places the suspect in the company of the deceased during the critical period leading up to her disappearance.
Authorities further revealed that the suspect claims to be a teacher by profession but also works as a commercial driver, a detail investigators are examining as part of the ongoing probe.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case after days of investigative work by law enforcement officers seeking to establish the events that led to the student’s death.
While police have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances of the murder or the motive behind the alleged crime, investigators say efforts are underway to piece together the full sequence of events.
The case has sparked renewed discussions about student safety and security, particularly around university communities and recreational areas frequented by young people.
Residents of Cape Coast and members of the UCC community have welcomed the arrest, expressing hope that justice will be served and that all facts surrounding the incident will be brought to light.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations remain active and that every lead connected to the case is being thoroughly pursued.
The Police further emphasized that further updates will be communicated as investigations progress, while the suspect remains in custody to assist with ongoing inquiries into the murder of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
