Police allege fake football scouts lured Cheikh Toure to Ghana before his death
KUMASI, Ghana — A year after the mysterious death of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Toure in Kumasi, the Ghana Police Service has arrested two foreign nationals allegedly linked to his kidnapping and murder.
The suspects — identified by police as 32-year-old Nigerien national Salifu Walid and 24-year-old Burkinabe national Aziz Wadrago Mane — were arrested on September 20, 2026, at a hideout in Banpanase, near Mamponteng in the Ashanti Region.
The arrests follow a sustained intelligence-led investigation into the circumstances surrounding Toure’s death in October 2025.
A shocking death that raised questions
On October 16, 2025, individuals who allegedly claimed to be brothers of Toure took him to Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi with multiple abdominal injuries.
The individuals reportedly told hospital authorities that the young goalkeeper had been involved in an accident.
But Toure was pronounced dead on arrival.
His body was subsequently deposited at the Ebenezer Mortuary at Tafo, Kumasi, while the men who brought him reportedly fled.
The circumstances surrounding the death immediately triggered investigations.
Police uncover alleged fake-scout operation
According to preliminary findings released by the Police, Walid and Mane are allegedly members of a four-man group suspected of masterminding Toure’s kidnapping and murder.
Investigators allege that the group operated under the guise of football scouting agents, using online platforms and networking to lure unsuspecting footballers into Ghana with promises of football opportunities.
Police say the two arrested suspects, during interrogation, allegedly admitted their involvement and provided information about their respective roles in bringing Toure to Ghana as part of an alleged scheme to defraud him.
Two alleged accomplices still on the run
The investigation has also put two other individuals on the police radar.
Police are searching for Noukoubri Arzouma Sylviain, also known as Prince Pierre, and another suspect identified as Barry.
According to the Police, both remain at large and are believed to have played central roles in the alleged operation. Efforts have been intensified to locate and arrest them.
Suspects face court as investigation continues
Walid and Mane remain in police custody and are expected to be processed before court.
The Police have indicated that investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Toure’s kidnapping and death and identify anyone else who may have been involved.
The arrests mark a major development in a case that has remained unresolved since the goalkeeper’s death in Kumasi in 2025.
For now, the allegations against the arrested men remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court process.
