DOVVSU probes Prophetess over alleged assault and detention of 16-year-old boy

The Bono Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has launched investigations into the alleged assault and five-day unlawful detention of a 16-year-old boy at Asufufu, a suburb of the Sunyani East Municipality.

According to a statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command on Thursday, June 25, 2026, officers received a distress call on the morning of June 23 reporting that the teenager had been beaten and locked up inside a room on a church premises over allegations of theft.

The suspect, 39-year-old Rebecca Kumi, founder of the Overcomers Church, is accused of assaulting the boy and detaining him for several days.

Police said that when they responded to the scene, the boy was found locked in a room, wearing only red shorts and covered with a cloth.

He had visible injuries, including marks on his right shoulder and swelling with dark discolouration around both eyes.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was allegedly beaten with a stick and slapped in the eyes after being accused of stealing money, including US dollars, and a Samsung mobile phone belonging to the suspect.

The boy, however, denied the allegations, telling police he had lived with the suspect since 2024 and had never stolen anything from her.

“The Bono Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) has commenced investigations into the circumstances leading to the suspected assault and causing harm to a 16-year-old boy at Asufufu, a suburb of the Sunyani East Municipality in the Bono Region,” the statement said.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital. Police said the suspect admitted to the offence during interrogation in the presence of her lawyer and is expected to be arraigned before court soon.

The police commended a Good Samaritan who reported the incident and urged the public to continue providing information to help protect vulnerable persons.