Kasoa ritual killing: One teenager sentenced to life in prison

The High Court has found two teenagers guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shocking case involving the killing of a 10-year-old boy in Kasoa in 2021. The court sentenced Nicholas Kini, the second accused, to life imprisonment, while the first accused, who was 15 years old at the time of the crime, has been referred to the juvenile court for sentencing due to his age.

The tragic incident occurred when the two teenagers lured the victim to an uncompleted building under the pretext of giving him a game. The boy was brutally attacked with a stick and cement blocks before being buried alive. The pathologist testified that the cause of death was suffocation.

The case drew widespread attention due to the motive behind the murder. During the investigation, the first accused admitted that the crime was inspired by a video of a spiritualist who promised wealth in exchange for human blood and a sum of GH¢5,000. The accused planned to kidnap the boy and demand ransom from his parents before ultimately deciding to kill him.

During the trial, the prosecution presented key witnesses, including the victim’s father, family members of the first accused, police officers, and the pathologist. The first accused’s sister testified that she had seen the two accused at the crime scene, raising concerns that led to the discovery of the boy’s body.

While the first accused pleaded guilty to conspiracy but not murder, the second accused, Nicholas Kini, denied any involvement and provided an alibi that the court found unsupported by evidence. After careful deliberation, the jury unanimously convicted both teenagers on all charges. Nicholas Kini will serve life in prison, while the juvenile court will determine the appropriate sentence for the first accused.

This verdict brings a tragic case to a close, highlighting the shocking nature of the crime and its deep impact on the community.