Police in the Northern Region are treating the deaths of three children whose bodies were found in the boot of a vehicle at Koblimahagu Zoo in the Tamale Metropolis as a suspected murder case.
The development follows preliminary autopsy findings indicating that the children did not die from natural causes.
The deceased have been identified as three-year-old Dauda Abdul Aziz, five-year-old Saani Alsharaf and seven-year-old Dauda Fadilan.
The children reportedly left home on Sunday to attend Islamic classes but failed to return.
Their bodies were discovered on Monday morning inside the boot of a black Hyundai Tucson with registration number AS 1770-14.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the preliminary autopsy has established that the children did not die a natural death.
“The autopsy revealed they did not die a natural death,” a source said.
However, investigators are awaiting toxicological examinations to determine the circumstances and possible cause of death.
“There is a need for toxicological examination to be conducted to fully establish the facts,” the source added.
Vehicle owner arrested
Police have arrested the owner of the vehicle, who is reportedly a member of the Ghana Immigration Service.
The suspect has been transported to Accra to assist with investigations.
According to information provided to the police, the vehicle had reportedly been stuck in mud for about five days.
Police said the vehicle was found with the driver’s door and rear passenger door open, while the boot and other doors were locked.
The vehicle has since been secured by the police for further forensic examination.
Forensic team deployed
The Inspector-General of Police has deployed forensic and crime scene experts to Tamale to support the investigation.
Homicide investigators and intelligence officers have also been dispatched to assist the Northern Regional Police Command.
The teams are expected to examine the vehicle, the crime scene and other evidence as investigators seek to establish how the children died and how their bodies ended up in the boot.
The case has generated widespread concern in the Northern Region, particularly because the children had reportedly gone for Islamic classes before they were found dead.
While preliminary autopsy findings have ruled out natural death, investigators are awaiting toxicological results and other forensic evidence before determining the precise cause and circumstances of the deaths.
Investigations are ongoing.
