A Computer Science student at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala campus, Salifu Nurudeen, has been sentenced to death by the Tamale High Court for the murder of his colleague, Wumpini Mohammed Zakiu.
The tragic incident, which occurred in September 2024, stemmed from a romantic rivalry involving a fellow UDS student who had ended her relationship with Nurudeen and begun dating Wumpini.
On September 25, Wumpini was found dead with multiple stab wounds, and his phone was reported missing. Police investigations led the cybercrime unit to Nurudeen, after the victim’s phone was traced to his room, hidden under his bed.
Further evidence revealed that Nurudeen had sent deceptive messages from Wumpini’s phone — including one to the victim’s girlfriend impersonating a breakup, and another to a close friend of the deceased.
He was arrested at Jubilee Park after being lured into a police operation. Though Nurudeen admitted to sending the messages, he denied committing the murder.
After a thorough trial, the court found him guilty of murder and handed down the mandatory death sentence.
The case has sparked renewed discussions about campus safety and mental health support for students dealing with relationship issues.
