Two teenagers have been found guilty of the gruesome 2021 murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Abdallah in Kasoa, a case that stunned Ghanaians due to its brutal nature and the involvement of minors.

Nicholas Kini, who was 18 at the time of the crime, has been sentenced to life in prison, while the second accused, who was 15, will be sentenced by a juvenile court since the High Court does not have the authority to sentence minors.

The boys killed Ishmael in a misguided attempt to gain wealth through a ritual sacrifice, influenced by a video from a spiritualist who promised riches in exchange for GH¢5,000 and human blood. They lured Ishmael to an uncompleted building, pretending to offer him a video game. Once there, they attacked him with a stick and cement blocks and burying him, causing his death by asphyxiation.

The trial featured testimony from seven witnesses, including family members and police officers. Ishmael’s father shared the devastating moment when he found his son’s body, while the sister of the younger accused provided key evidence linking the boys to the crime scene.

Though Nicholas Kini denied being involved, the jury unanimously convicted both boys of murder and conspiracy.

The sentencing brings a sense of closure to the grieving family of young Ishmael, though the pain of his loss remains. Nicholas Kini’s life sentence underscores the severity of the crime, while the juvenile court will soon determine the fate of the younger accused.

Watch as Nicholas is led away after being sentenced to life imprisonment..