The Wa District Court has ordered the seven suspects arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Eric Johnson, CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, also known as Jirapa Dubai, to be remanded into police custody.

Presided over by Mr. Maxwell Maxibrain Titriku, the court directed the suspects to reappear in two weeks while investigations continue. Six of the accused individuals are to be held in the custody of the Wa Police, while the prime suspect, Elyasah Mahama, will remain at the Wa Central Prison.

The suspects, including Dookuuri Fausta, Braimah Kasim, Belinda Miller, and Michael Klugey, who are all hotel employees, were apprehended on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Additionally, Favour Nuobe and Kweku Kombata, also employees of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, were arrested on Monday, February 12, 2024.

The prime suspect, Mr. Mahama, was reportedly apprehended at a hideout in Takoradi and transported to Wa via commercial flight for questioning. Mr. Mahama, formerly the HR officer for the hotel, had been dismissed by Mr. Eric Johnson on Thursday, February 8, 2024, just three days before the murder.

Eric Johnson was discovered dead in his home on Sunday, February 11, his body covered in deep wounds. The assailant or assailants purportedly used a ladder to access his room and gained entry using a master card.

Mr. Johnson's car was subsequently driven away but later abandoned in town.

During the initial court appearance two weeks ago, five of the suspects were remanded into police custody.

The recent court session saw the appearance of seven individuals, including Elyasah Mahama, the hotel's former HR manager, who was arrested as a prime suspect.

The accused were brought to court in two separate groups and transported in police vehicles.

Three legal representatives, Lwanga Bagonluuru, Clement Eledi, and Muniru Kassim, appeared on behalf of the accused.

Detective Chief Inspector Ali Mohammed requested an amendment of the charge sheet to include Elyasah Mahama and asked for additional time to conclude the investigation.