In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) community, a final-year student, Joana Deladem Yabane, was allegedly murdered by her former boyfriend and fellow student, Daniel Tuffour.
Background of the Relationship
Joana and Daniel, both in their final year at KNUST, had been in a relationship since their first year. However, their relationship was reportedly fraught with challenges, leading them to seek counseling at the university’s counseling center multiple times. Joana’s father had advised them to separate due to these issues, but Daniel’s obsession with Joana made it difficult for him to let go.
Events Leading Up to the Incident
Two days before the tragic event, Joana reported her phone stolen to KNUST security, but the outcome of this report remains unclear. On the evening before the incident, Joana and Daniel, along with two other colleagues, studied at the Biological Sciences library. They left the library between 1 and 3 a.m., with the two colleagues departing separately. As Joana and Daniel walked to their hostels, a minor argument ensued.
The Alleged Murder
During the argument, Daniel allegedly lost control and pushed Joana to the ground. He then reportedly used his knee to apply pressure on her neck for approximately two minutes, leading to her death. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Daniel allegedly shook her lifeless body for about five minutes before moving it to the center of the area. He then took her laptop and walked away, attempting to conceal his involvement.
Aftermath and Arrest
Following the incident, Daniel hid Joana’s laptop behind the Flint hostel and returned to campus the next morning to write his exams, reportedly wearing the same shirt from the previous night. Unbeknownst to him, CCTV cameras had captured his movements, leading to his identification and subsequent arrest. A teaching assistant at the Biological Science department assisted in identifying Daniel, who was found writing his exams in the same attire he allegedly wore during the crime.
University and Police Response
The university’s management reported finding Joana’s mobile phone and laptop hidden behind the Flint hostel, which have since been retrieved. The Ghana Police Service confirmed Daniel’s arrest, stating that preliminary investigations showed marks of violence on Joana’s body. Daniel has been remanded in custody, and the case has been adjourned to March 17, 2025.
This incident has raised concerns about student safety on campus, prompting the university to enhance security measures, including increased police patrols and CCTV surveillance.
The KNUST community mourns the tragic loss of Joana, a promising student whose life was cut short under heartbreaking circumstances.
For more details on this developing story, you can watch the following news report:
