A 15-year-old juvenile involved in the high-profile Kasoa ritual murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdallah has been sentenced to 12 months in a Senior Correctional Home. The sentence was handed down by an Accra Juvenile Court on Tuesday, focusing on rehabilitation and skill development for the offender.
The juvenile, convicted of conspiracy and murder, was previously found guilty alongside his 18-year-old accomplice, Nicolas Kini, by an Accra High Court. While Kini, now 21, received a life sentence, the juvenile was referred to the Juvenile Court for sentencing in accordance with the law.
Appearing remorseful, the juvenile pleaded with the court for forgiveness, expressing regret over his actions. “I plead with the court to forgive me. It was not my intention to kill my dear friend and end my life this way. I pray that Ishmael’s father forgives me,” he tearfully stated.
The court acknowledged that the juvenile had already spent over three years in custody since his arrest in April 2021, exceeding the detention period allowed under the Juvenile Act. However, due to the severity of the crime and the juvenile’s expressed desire to pursue vocational training, the court imposed the 12-month sentence to facilitate his rehabilitation and personal development.
The sentencing brings a partial closure to a case that shocked the nation. The murder, which occurred on April 3, 2021, was allegedly motivated by a quest for ritualistic wealth. Kini had reportedly consulted a ritualist after being influenced by a TV program. The ritualist demanded a human sacrifice, leading the duo to lure Ishmael into an uncompleted building, where they brutally killed him.
The gruesome crime came to light when a witness reported the incident to the father of the juvenile, who confronted his son. The confession ultimately led to the arrest of both offenders.
The juvenile’s family and relatives of the deceased were present in court for the sentencing. While the ruling aims to rehabilitate the young offender, the court highlighted the grave nature of the crime and its devastating impact on the victim’s family and community.
This case underscores the importance of addressing youth crime and the influence of harmful societal factors, such as exposure to content promoting wealth through unethical means.