Ashanti Regional Police have apprehended five individuals linked to a vehicle theft syndicate targeting victims leaving banks in Kumasi, according to an official statement.
The group used Toyota Highlanders with false registration plates to trail victims before stealing cash from parked vehicles. After months of surveillance by the Police Intelligence Directorate and Intelligence Video Surveillance system, officers traced two suspect vehicles leading to the June 19 arrests of Russell Ekenze, Francis Friday, and Linus Agwazie.
Suspects confessed to multiple thefts during interrogation and named accomplice Cosmas Maduabuchukwu as currently at large. Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim were additionally detained for allegedly obstructing investigations. Five suspects—primarily Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian—are in custody pending court proceedings, with collaboration ongoing with Greater Accra Police.
In a separate case, Nkawie Divisional Police arrested William Ofori Atta, 29, on June 21 in connection with the May 26 robbery and murder of Radiance Filling Station employee Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye, 28, in Mpasatia. A coordinated operation involving cyber crime units and regional commands led to Ofori Atta’s apprehension at 5:30 a.m. in Kukuom, Ahafo Region. Police recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to the victim during the arrest.
Deputy Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Public Affairs Head, confirmed both investigations continue and commended inter-unit collaboration. The police urged public assistance with ongoing cases.
Ghana recorded 2,074 vehicle theft incidents in 2024, with targeted cash robberies representing 18% of major crimes according to the Ghana Police Service annual report.
