Car Snatching Kingpin Nabbed…2 Gang Members Killed In Shootout
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested an alleged kingpin behind a string of car-snatching robberies and vehicle thefts in the Ashanti Region, while two of his suspected accomplices have been shot dead during a police operation.
The suspect, William Opoku, popularly known as ‘Father Blessing,’ was arrested at Ahwiaa, near Kumasi, in an intelligence-led operation after police tracked down hideouts allegedly being used by the gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
According to the police, the suspect confessed during interrogation to his involvement in several vehicle thefts, including the stealing of Toyota Corolla saloon cars at Anwiankwanta–Asanso Road, Pankrono, Moro Market and Anloga Junction in Kumasi.
Police said William Opoku later led investigators to a mechanic’s workshop where one of the stolen vehicles—a white Toyota Corolla—was retrieved while undergoing repairs.
The suspect also allegedly admitted participating in the attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.
During interrogation, he mentioned Prince, alias ‘Killer Wooah,’ Suley, alias ‘Shangu Spirit,’ Bonkro, alias ‘Okoronko,’ Aki and Yaw Antwi as members of the criminal syndicate.
A follow-up operation by the police on June 17, 2026, led officers to three suspects riding an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
However, the suspects allegedly resisted arrest, with the rider knocking down a police officer before opening fire on the security personnel while attempting to escape.
The police returned fire, fatally wounding Suley, alias ‘Shangu Spirit,’ and another suspect identified only as ‘Long Story.’ Bonkro, alias ‘Okoronko,’ managed to escape and is currently on the run.
The two injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police investigations have linked Suley, alias ‘Shangu Spirit,’ to several car-snatching and vehicle theft cases at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the police officer at Kronum Brokutu.
The police further disclosed that the stolen AK-47 assault rifle is believed to have been kept by William Opoku for safekeeping.
William Opoku is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command says efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects, especially Bonkro, alias ‘Okoronko,’ and to recover the remaining stolen vehicles, the AK-47 assault rifle and its ammunition.
