The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious criminal syndicate behind a string of targeted vehicle thefts and break-ins across the Kumasi Metropolis, according to an official statement released by the Command’s Public Affairs Unit.
Over recent months, several residents reported having large sums of money stolen from their parked vehicles after being trailed from financial institutions. The criminal syndicate, often using Toyota Highlander vehicles with fake registration numbers, would follow unsuspecting victims and strike when vehicles were left unattended.
After weeks of coordinated intelligence work and surveillance by the Police Intelligence Directorate, supported by the intelligence video surveillance (IVS) system, police traced two of the vehicles used in the crimes. On June 19, 2025, three key suspects — Russell Ekenze, Francis Friday, and Linus Agwazie — were arrested. Tools used in the theft operations were also retrieved from their vehicles.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to multiple incidents and named additional accomplices, including one Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, who is currently on the run. Two women, Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, were also arrested for obstructing the police investigation.
In total, five suspects are currently in police custody and are being processed for court. The syndicate is reported to be predominantly composed of Nigerian nationals, with one Ghanaian suspected to be involved. The Ashanti Regional Command is collaborating with the Greater Accra Regional Police to track down remaining suspects.
Separate Robbery and Murder Case Cracked
In a separate but related development, the Nkawie Divisional Police Command has arrested 29-year-old William Ofori Atta in connection with the robbery and murder of Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye, a 28-year-old fuel station worker at the Radiance Filling Station in Mpasatia, Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred on May 26, 2025, around 12:45 p.m. after the victim was attacked during a daylight robbery at his workplace.
A combined effort involving the Ashanti Regional Cyber Crime Unit, Kukuom Police, and the Nkawie Divisional Command led to the arrest of the suspect from his hideout in Kukuom, in the Ahafo Region, on June 21, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m.
Police say Ofori Atta confessed to the crime and admitted to fatally shooting the victim. A mobile phone believed to belong to the deceased was retrieved from the suspect and is undergoing forensic analysis.
Public Commended for Support
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit in the Ashanti Region, praised the swift collaboration between all police units involved in both investigations. He assured the public of the Police Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
“We urge anyone with further information regarding these cases to come forward. Investigations remain ongoing and we will continue to update the public as developments unfold,” DSP Ahianyo stated.
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