Struck by grief and driven by a thirst for vengeance, the family of Wilberforce Appiah, known as ‘Wyllbee,’ made an unusual choice at his funeral.
Rather than allowing him to rest in peace, they urged him to seek retribution for his untimely death.
Wyllbee, who did not pass away naturally, was buried with two large machetes tools intended for him to avenge himself from beyond the grave.
In a deeply emotional ceremony, mourners gathered in Kwadaso, Ashanti Region, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Wyllbee’s family performed rituals before closing the casket, signifying their plea for justice.
His mother, overcome with grief, was inconsolable, while his father, a pastor, gave a poignant sermon that deeply resonated with those in attendance.
The funeral attracted a large crowd, as people from all walks of life came to pay their respects to the young man whose life was cut short.
Background:
Reports indicated that Wyllbee was killed in Abuakwa-Tanoso, Ashanti Region while staying overnight at Nana Yaa Nyarko’s residence, a property reportedly owned by her ‘abroad-based’ husband’s family, who were unaware of Wyllbee’s presence.
According to initial accounts, on July 5, 2024, Wyllbee was seen urinating in the compound and was confronted by residents who suspected him of being a thief.
Wyllbee allegedly claimed he visited Nana Yaa, but she purportedly denied knowing him, to protect her marriage from her in-laws.
This denial led to suspicion and accusations of theft among the neighbours, resulting in Wyllbee being lynched.
Reports also mentioned that Wyllbee’s phone was destroyed with a stone during the incident.
Family’s anger and thirst for justice
Wyllbee’s mother and other close relatives have frequently expressed their frustration and anger at seeing her son’s alleged killers in court.
While they remain dependent on God for justice, they also believe in the court system and that their son will ultimately be avenged.
Court proceedings and prime suspect Nana Yaa’s woes
As the prime suspect in the murder case, Nana Yaa had faced severe mistreatment, including being booed, chased, and attacked by an angry mob during her court appearances.
The crowd, in some instances surrounded the police van transporting her to and from the court premises in a bid to attack.
After many struggles, Nana Yaa was finally granted bail from a different court on August 15, 2024, having previously been denied multiple times by the Akropong District Court.
Both she and the second accused were granted bail of GH¢100,000 each with sureties.
Docket forwarded to the Attorney General’s office
Reports indicated that all relevant documents and evidence in Wyllbee’s murder case have been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for further instructions.
Following the latest trial on August 27, 2024, at the Akropong District Court, proceedings were adjourned until September 30, 2024.
It was also revealed that the case may be transferred to a higher court, depending on the Attorney General’s input.