Suspected boyfriend of deceased KNUST student detained

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has confirmed the detention of 21-year-old Daniel Tuffuor, a final-year student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in connection with the tragic death of Joana Deladem Yabani.

Ms Yabani, in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, was discovered lifeless near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre at approximately 5:00 a.m. on 27th February, 2025.

The KNUST Security Services were the first to find her body and subsequently alerted the police.

According to DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, CCTV footage from the university campus was instrumental in identifying Tuffuor as a key suspect.

“We have identified the suspect through CCTV footage on the KNUST campus, and he is currently assisting us with our investigations,” he confirmed.

In response to the tragic incident, police authorities have deployed 24-hour surveillance operations on campus to bolster security for students and staff.

“We are stepping up our efforts to maintain security on campus. Our officers will be conducting round-the-clock patrols and monitoring activities,” DCOP Cudjoe added.

The university management also issued a statement on Thursday, 27th February 2025, addressing the concerns of students and parents.

It was revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, had personally spoken with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson, to assure her of enhanced security measures.

Expressing gratitude for the swift intervention, Professor Dickson stated, “Waking up to such horrible news was truly saddening, and losing a student in this manner is heartbreaking, especially for parents. We are grateful to the IGP for his swift intervention and the measures that have been put in place.”*

The police say their investigations are ongoing, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice for Ms Yabani and her grieving family.

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