Kasoa Ritual Murder: Court Finds 2 Teenagers Guilty, Sentences 1 to Life Imprisonment

The two suspects standing trial for the murder of a 10-year-old boy in Kasoa have been found guilty of both murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The crime, committed in 2021, has taken three years to reach its conclusion. The High Court delivered the final verdict, sentencing the second accused, Nicholas Kini, who was 18 at the time of the incident, to life in prison.

Meanwhile, the first accused, who was 15 years old when the crime occurred, has been referred to the juvenile court for sentencing as the High Court lacks jurisdiction to sentence minors.

The prosecution urged the jury to find both teenagers guilty, citing strong evidence of their involvement in both murder and conspiracy. The defense, however, argued for their acquittal.

In summing up the case, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo appealed to the jury to consider the facts carefully and uphold the conscience of the nation.

After deliberating, the seven-member jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on both charges.

Nicholas Kini was sentenced to life imprisonment, while the juvenile court will determine the fate of the first accused. 

FACTS OF THE CASE

According to investigators, the first accused admitted during interrogation that the plan to kill the victim stemmed from watching a video of a spiritualist who promised wealth in exchange for GH¢5,000 and human blood.

The first accused revealed that he contacted the second accused, Nicholas Kini, who suggested they consult the fetish priest. The priest allegedly demanded GH¢5,000 and human blood. As part of the plot, they first intended to kidnap the boy and demand the ransom from his parents.

The victim was lured to an uncompleted building by the first accused, under the guise of receiving a game. Once there, he was struck on the head with a stick and later with cement blocks after pleading for mercy. The boy was buried alive, with the pathologist testifying that the cause of death was suffocation.