The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of University of Cape Coast (UCC) student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
According to an official police statement, the suspect, identified as Michael Mensah, aged 39, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at about 7:15 p.m. at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast.
The arrest was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team following what police described as sustained intelligence-led operations.
The development marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has generated widespread concern and attracted national attention in recent days.
Police Outline Preliminary Findings
According to the Ghana Police Service, preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspect claims to be a teacher by profession and also works as a driver.
Police stated that investigations indicate that on June 11, 2026, at about 6:48 p.m., the suspect allegedly picked up Innocentia Atsufui Avinu from Ayensu Plaza within the University of Cape Coast hostel enclave.
Investigators further stated that the suspect allegedly transported the student to Hutchland Beach, where she was reportedly last seen.
The police emphasized that these findings form part of ongoing investigations and that the matter remains subject to further inquiry.
Authorities have indicated that additional updates will be provided as investigations continue.
Case Drew National Attention
The arrest follows days of public concern after Innocentia was initially reported missing.
Reports later confirmed that the young university student had been found dead, sparking grief among students, family members, residents of her hometown and members of the wider public.
Her death quickly became one of the most discussed stories on social media, with many Ghanaians calling on law enforcement agencies to intensify investigations and identify those responsible.
The case also prompted appeals for justice from students, community leaders and concerned citizens across the country.
For many people who had been closely following developments, the latest arrest represents an important step in the search for answers.
Investigations Remain Ongoing
Despite the arrest, police have stressed that investigations are still ongoing.
Authorities have not announced the conclusion of the case and are expected to continue gathering evidence as part of their inquiry.
The Ghana Police Service has also indicated that further information will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
Legal experts note that an arrest forms only one stage of the criminal justice process, with any allegations expected to be tested through the appropriate legal procedures.
As such, the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a court determines otherwise.
Calls For Justice Continue
The death of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu has left many people searching for answers.
Students and members of the UCC community have continued to mourn the loss of the young woman, while many members of the public have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The arrest of a suspect is therefore likely to be closely watched as the case moves through the next stages of the investigative process.
The police statement on the arrest is below.
Ghanaians React To Arrest In Innocentia Avinu Case
News of the arrest quickly generated reactions from social media users and members of the public.
Many people welcomed the development and described it as an important step toward uncovering the truth behind Innocentia’s death.
Krotwea Mansa said:
“There must be more to this story, if he claims he just drove her to the beach as a commercial driver and left? That would mean he drove her to meet someone. The Mobile Network Company can provide call logs and timelines and who she had last spoken to.
We want to apprehend the murderer , and it should be one without doubt. There shouldn’t be any room for any defense attorneys to say their client is a commercial driver, therefore was engaged in lawful activity of picking and dropping passengers off to any destination they ask them to.”
Gideon Nelson Amoah:
Maybe he was doing his job as a teacher and driver, MTN should provide us with her last conversation
Mike Techiston said:
“Some of you are too quick to judge…they say the driver was picked by police based on intelligence by the cyber security of Ghana Police Service. So this means.
1. This lady maybe the driver customer in terms of boarding the car aways; like i would call the driver anytime i want to go a place.
2. The guy maybe the real suspect.
Bcos according to the write up, cyber security help in this arrest means communication went on between the deceased and the suspect.”
Nana Tutu Kwame said: I have always maintained that Ghana is a small country and with the technology available criminals should desist from their activities because the police will get them. They’re still in the investigation phase though so we can’t jump into conclusions…..
Others stressed the need for investigators to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure that all relevant evidence is properly examined.
The case has also renewed calls for justice for Innocentia and support for her grieving family.
While many people view the arrest as a major breakthrough, there is broad agreement that investigations should continue until all the facts surrounding the case are established.
Ghanaians React To Arrest In Innocentia Avinu Case










