The investigation into the case that has rocked the city of Bouaké has just taken a dramatic turn. Arrested in the act on Monday, June 15, 2026, by the Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC), the suspect , Samuel HILI NAPEMALA, led investigators to a new grave and implicated one of his alleged clients.

The official death toll has risen to 5.

As a reminder, the suspect was initially arrested in possession of a bag containing the body of a child of approximately 5 years old, who had been strangled. After confessing to this first murder, he led the police to three graves hidden in the undergrowth of the airport area.

Investigations carried out in recent hours have uncovered a fifth grave , bringing the total number of known victims to five.

Organ trafficking ring dismantled: Traditional healer arrested

Under intense questioning in the presence of the Public Prosecutor, Samuel HILI NAPEMALA confessed that he was involved in trafficking human remains, mainly reselling the skulls and foot bones of his young victims.

His statements directly implicated an accomplice:

1. Identity: DOUMBIA Mamadou, 30 years old, of Ivorian nationality.
2. Profile: He presents himself as a traditional healer.
3. Facts: Arrested immediately on the Prosecutor's orders, the man in his thirties admitted to having bought a human skull from the suspected killer.

Physical evidence: A quick search of the traditional healer's home allowed law enforcement to discover and seize several human bones.

The Public Prosecutor firmly reiterated his determination to pursue the investigation relentlessly in order to identify, track down and arrest all accomplices and instigators involved in these extremely serious crimes.