Innocentia was last seen alive on the evening of June 11, 2026, at Ayensu Plaza Hostel, a private hostel in Amamoma near the UCC campus. According to her roommate, she received a phone call, dressed casually - reports mention a black dress, and left the room around 7:00 p.m. She did not return, leading friends and family to report her missing and launch a search.
Her body was found early on June 12, 2026, lying face down on the beach with blood noted from her nose. Police responded promptly after reports from local residents. Initial examinations by officers and the Regional Crime Scene Team found no visible marks of assault, external injuries, signs of forced penetration, or mutilation.
Some early unverified reports and social media claims suggested otherwise (including organ harvesting or missing body parts), but these were firmly debunked by police, the university, and the family.
Her identity was confirmed on June 13, 2026, when a family member recognized photos at the police station, followed by a formal viewing at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital mortuary alongside university officials. The body was transferred to the morgue pending autopsy.
University of Cape-Coast & Family Official Response
Official Statement on the untimely demise of Miss. Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
— University of Cape Coast (UCC) (@UCCGH_Official) June 14, 2026
May her soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gvGIEW1ozo
UCC issued statements expressing deep sorrow, confirming cooperation with police, and activating counseling
support for students, the roommate, and the family. The university's Public Affairs Directorate, via Dr.
Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, emphasized that the body was found intact and urged the public to avoid
misinformation.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed a full-scale investigation and offered condolences,
stressing the need for authorities to work without interference.
Latest Updates
In a significant development, on June 16, 2026, the Ghana Police Service announced the arrest of
Michael Mensah, a 39-year-old man - described as a teacher and part-time driver. He was apprehended
on June 15 at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast.
Police linked him to the case, stating he allegedly
picked up Innocentia from the hostel area on June 11 and drove her toward the beach area.
Investigations are treating the death as a suspected murder. An autopsy is underway or scheduled to
determine the exact cause of death, with authorities previously noting plans to obtain a coroner's form. As
of the latest reports, results had not been publicly released.
The Inspector-General of Police reportedly deployed a special team, and the Central Regional Police Command
has intensified security around the university and coastal areas.
The family has condemned false social media claims, rejected images of the body being shared, and appealed for privacy and dignity for Innocentia. Her Aunty reportedly invoked traditional curses on those responsible.
@davidoseipoku1 A traditional leader in Dzodze, Volta Region home of Innocentia, the UCC student who was tragically killed has invoked curses on those responsible for her death, calling for justice and accountability.
♬ original sound - Dave
Reactions
Is there not cameras around the plaza?
Banner Studio🇬🇭 on XI’m following this case keenly. I hope it’s not another case of femicide by an intimate partner. I pray it’s not.
Abena Gyan on Xthis case will take a funny turn
@selXwi on XWe hope Justice prevails
And to those reposting her videos, please stop. Whatever she said or did,
doesnt warrant this kind of death
she deserves justice
Heres what an X user said about it
Abeg o You people should stop posting old videos to create a new idea story for the person who kìlled this girl. Don’t let the case be a foolish case, leave old videos alone.
Detective Ratel on XInnocentia Atsufui Avinu is remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant young student. Her death is a profound loss, and the community awaits full clarity on the circumstances.