The Ghana Police Service has apprehended a 39-year-old man, Michael Mensah, in relation to the death of University of Cape Coast (UCC) student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
In a statement, police disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Sunday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 7:15 p.m. by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast. The arrest followed what authorities described as extensive intelligence-driven operations.
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Preliminary investigations suggest that on June 11, 2026, at around 6:48 p.m., the suspect, who reportedly identifies himself as a teacher while also working as a driver, picked up the deceased from Ayensu Plaza within the UCC hostel enclave. Police believe he later transported her to Hutchland Beach, where she was last seen alive.
The arrest represents a major breakthrough in the investigation into the death of the 20-year-old Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student. Her body was discovered on the shores of Hutchland Beach near Duakor along the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Residents who found the body washed ashore alerted authorities, prompting the Cape Coast District Police Command to commence investigations and appeal to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased.
The victim was subsequently identified after her roommate provided police with a photograph. Investigators revealed that Innocentia received a phone call on the evening of June 11, left her hostel room dressed casually, and failed to return. Her family later confirmed her identity at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Mortuary on June 13.
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Earlier findings by the Central Regional Police Command indicated that an initial examination of the body, conducted in the presence of family members, showed no visible signs of physical assault.
Police have also refuted social media claims alleging that body parts of the deceased had been removed, describing such reports as false and misleading.
The family similarly rejected the organ harvesting allegations and urged the public to stop sharing distressing images of her remains online.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread public concern and drawn national attention. Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, described the case as deeply troubling and directed the University of Cape Coast to collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
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The university has, meanwhile, launched its own internal inquiry and is providing counselling support to the deceased’s roommate, classmates, and other students affected by the incident.
Police have indicated that investigations are ongoing, while a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause of death. Authorities have assured the public that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.