A man suspected of the brutal killing of a five-year-old girl in Sepenukope in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta region has been arrested by residents with the support of a local neighbourhood security taskforce.

The arrest of Ahiable Yao David was effected on 23rd May 2025 at about 4:30 pm near a cassava farm in Gbugbla-Tokor, a farming community in the Aflao enclave.

He had been spotted by a vigilant local resident, who immediately alerted members of the Latevikope community and the Action Now Security Group, after recognising the suspect as a person of interest on the Aflao Police's wanted list.

During a brief engagement with the community members, it was disclosed by the suspect that he had been evading arrest and had sought refuge in a school in Ho.

According to his account, he voluntarily returned to Aflao on the day of his apprehension due to what he described as persistent "spiritual attacks".

“I was having some attacks, that's why I came back,” the suspect reportedly stated.

Following his detention by the community, he was handed over to the Aflao Divisional Police Command for further interrogation.

At the time of filing this report, the suspect was undergoing profiling by the police, with official sources indicating that further details could not yet be disclosed.

An officer at the Aflao Police Station assured that due process would be observed and that the suspect would be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction.

According to preliminary statements reportedly made by the suspect during interrogation, he claimed to have mistaken the child for a goat at the time of the killing, citing spiritual affliction as a possible cause of his actions.

The case, now being treated as a suspected incident of murder, remains under active investigation. The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served in accordance with the law.

Background

On Monday, May 12, the dismembered remains of a five-year-old girl were found, suspected to have been used in a ritual.

The main suspect, Ahiable Yao David (now in Police custody), was identified as a fan milk vendor and a member of a local church choir.

According to sources, the victim’s mother had reportedly left her two children sleeping while she stepped out briefly to buy some items.

Upon her return, she discovered that the elder of the two, her five-year-old daughter, was missing. A frantic search led to the discovery of the child’s blood-stained dress within the compound of the suspect.

The Aflao Police were immediately notified. A search of the suspect’s room uncovered a pot buried beneath his bed, allegedly containing human body parts.

The horrific nature of the discovery sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many residents in disbelief and grief.