The Ashanti Regional Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate behind a string of targeted vehicle thefts and robberies in Kumasi, arresting five individuals and intensifying efforts to track down remaining suspects linked to the well-coordinated operations.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the syndicate operated by trailing victims from banks and financial institutions, identifying individuals withdrawing large sums of money before stealing from their parked vehicles.
“Over recent months, the Police received multiple reports of victims being trailed from financial institutions and having large sums of money stolen from their vehicles while parked”
Ghana Police Service
A statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit in the Ashanti Region, confirmed that the criminals employed decoy vehicles, particularly Toyota Highlanders with fake license plates, to facilitate the crimes and evade capture.
The arrests were made possible through coordinated intelligence efforts between the Police Intelligence Directorate and the Intelligence Video Surveillance (IVS) system. On June 19, 2025, three suspects – Russell Ekenze, Francis Friday, and Linus Agwazie – were apprehended, and tools used in the break-ins were retrieved from their vehicles.
The suspects, all foreign nationals, reportedly confessed to several previous incidents and named other individuals involved, including one Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, who is currently on the run.
Two additional suspects – Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim – were also arrested for obstructing police investigations. All five are currently in police custody and are being processed for court appearance.
The syndicate, according to the Police, is largely made up of Nigerian nationals, with one Ghanaian suspected to be connected.
The Police stressed that investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the Greater Accra Regional Command to ensure the full network is brought to justice.
Separate Robbery and Murder Case
In a related development, the Nkawie Divisional Police Command has arrested 29-year-old William Ofori Atta in connection with a robbery and murder case involving the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye.
“The victim, who worked at the Radiance Filling Station in Mpasatia in the Ashanti Region, was attacked on May 26, 2025, at approximately 12:45 p.m”
Ghana Police Service
Following a targeted operation involving the Ashanti Regional Cyber Crime Unit, the Kukuom Police, and the Nkawie Divisional Command, the suspect was apprehended at his hideout in Kukuom in the Ahafo Region on June 21, 2025, at around 5:30 a.m.
“During police interrogation, the suspect admitted to shooting and killing the victim,” the statement disclosed, adding that a mobile phone believed to belong to the deceased was recovered from the suspect and will undergo forensic analysis as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has praised the swift collaboration between the various regional and divisional units that led to the successful arrests.
“The Command wishes to assure the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” Deputy Superintendent Ahianyo said, reiterating the Police Service’s dedication to ensuring public protection, urging members of the public to assist with any information that could aid in the ongoing investigations.
While suspects remain in custody and others are pursued, the Police have indicated that the public will continue to receive timely updates as the investigations progress.
The Ghana Police Service continues to rely on public cooperation and intelligence sharing to clamp down on organized criminal activity within the country.
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