Ashanti Regional Police Smash Vehicle Theft Syndicate: Five Arrested, More on the Run
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has dismantled a notorious vehicle theft syndicate operating across Kumasi, arresting five suspects believed to be part of a criminal network that targeted victims who had withdrawn large sums of money from banks.
At a press briefing held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the M.A. Alhassan Conference Hall, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, disclosed that the gang used two Toyota Highlanders — with registration numbers GY 2471-14 and GX 7124-12 — to trail unsuspecting victims from banks and other financial institutions before stealing money from their parked vehicles.
The police recovered a six-inch T-shaped metal tool, suspected to have been used as a master key, from one of the vehicles. According to the police, the suspects either broke into the vehicles or used master keys to carry out the thefts.
Those currently in custody include 29-year-old taxi driver Russell Ekenze, politician Francis Friday, 49, trader Linus Agwazie, 51, as well as two others identified only as CJ and DD. Preliminary investigations indicate that all suspects, except for DD who is believed to be Ghanaian, are Nigerian nationals.
DCOP Teye-Cudjoe revealed that the syndicate is linked to a series of high-profile vehicle thefts involving huge sums of money. Reported incidents include:
GHC 107,000 stolen at the Agricultural Development Bank, Ahodwo Roundabout
GHC 88,000 stolen at Obaa Yaa Chop Bar
GHC 22,000 stolen at the KNUST Hospital Emergency Unit
GHC 100,000 stolen at Ayeduase
GHC 95,000 stolen at a food joint in Tafo Pankrono
GHC 85,000 stolen at Asawase Market near the Central Mosque and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
The Police Command has also launched a manhunt for additional members of the gang, including one Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, who managed to escape arrest after being shot and fled to a pub at Kenyase. The pub, jointly owned by Gladys Ibrahim and Gifty Ozurumbam, became the centre of another police operation when the owners were arrested for obstructing investigations by failing to disclose the suspect’s whereabouts.
DCOP Teye-Cudjoe assured the public of the police’s continued commitment to combating crime and urged citizens to remain vigilant and assist the police with any relevant information. “The fight against crime requires collaboration from all. We appeal to the public to support us with credible leads to help bring the remaining suspects to justice,” he added.
