The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 39-year-old man as part of investigations into the murder of University of Cape Coast (UCC) Level 200 student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, police identified the suspect as Michael Mensah, who claims to be a teacher by profession but also works as a driver.
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According to preliminary investigations, Mensah picked up the deceased from Ayensu Plaza within the University of Cape Coast hostel enclave and drove her to Hutchland Beach, where she was last seen before her lifeless body was later discovered.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that on 11th June 2026, at about 1848 hours, the suspect who claims to be a teacher by profession but also works as a driver, picked the deceased from Ayensu Plaza within the University of Cape Coast (UCC) hostel enclave and took her to Hutchland Beach, where she was last seen,” the police statement said.
Police further disclosed that the suspect was arrested by the Inspector General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team on 15 June 2026 at about 7:15 p.m. at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast following sustained intelligence-led operations.
The Ghana Police Service said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the student’s death and assured the public that further updates would be communicated when appropriate.
Innocentia Avinu murder investigation gathers pace
The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the death of the UCC student, a case that has sparked grief across the university community and attracted widespread public attention.
The University of Cape Coast has been working closely with the UCC District Police Command since authorities confirmed the deceased’s identity.
According to the university’s Directorate of Public Affairs, management has been fully briefed on the incident and is providing support to the bereaved family, the deceased’s roommate, classmates and other affected students.
“The University Management has been duly informed, and appropriate support measures are being extended to the family, the affected roommate, colleague students, and course mates during this difficult period,” Acting Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs, Dr Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, said.
The university added that counselling and other support services are being provided to members of the campus community affected by the tragedy.
Innocentia Avinu reportedly left her hostel after receiving a phone call
Preliminary information indicates that Innocentia Avinu lived in a private hostel at Amamoma and was last seen on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, at about 7:00 p.m.
According to her roommate’s account, she received a phone call before leaving the room in casual clothing and never returned.
Separate reports suggest she had informed friends she was leaving campus to meet an acquaintance outside the university community before she disappeared.
Her disappearance raised concern among students and residents before her body was later discovered at Hutchland Beach.
Although reports have circulated alleging that some body parts were missing, police have rubbished those claims.
Police continue investigations
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and establish the sequence of events leading to Innocentia Avinu’s death.
Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, warning that speculation and misinformation could interfere with ongoing investigations and cause further distress to the bereaved family.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the UCC student remain under active investigation.
