The Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in Kumasi has made a significant breakthrough in dismantling a criminal syndicate responsible for a series of targeted vehicle thefts across the Kumasi Metropolis.
The suspects, believed to be part of a larger network, used Toyota Highlander vehicles to trail victims who had withdrawn large sums of money from financial institutions
The syndicate operated in a coordinated manner, with one suspect loitering around banking halls and car parks to identify potential victims.
They would then alert their accomplices, who would trail the victim in their vehicles and strike when an opportunity presented itself. The suspects used master keys or forcibly broke into the vehicles to steal cash.
Reported Cases
The syndicate is linked to several reported cases, including [no specific sources mentioned]:
– November 15, 2024: A victim withdrew GH₵ 107,000 from Agricultural Development Bank at Ahodwo roundabout, and the syndicate stole the money from the victim’s Toyota Camry.
– March 18, 2025: A victim withdrew GH₵ 88,000 from a financial institution, and the syndicate stole the cash from the victim’s vehicle.
– March 19, 2025: A victim withdrew GH₵ 22,000 from Absa Bank, KNUST branch, and the syndicate stole the money from the victim’s Kia Sportage.
– March 24, 2025: A victim withdrew GH₵ 100,000 from Zenith Bank, KNUST branch, and the syndicate stole the money.
– April 9, 2025: A victim withdrew GH₵ 95,000 from Ghana Commercial Bank, Suame branch, and the syndicate stole the money.
– June 11, 2025: A victim withdrew GH₵ 85,000 from National Investment Bank, Suame, and the syndicate stole the money.
Through sustained intelligence-gathering and surveillance, the PID identified two suspect vehicles, both Toyota Highlanders with fake license plates. On June 19, 2025, PID operatives arrested three suspects: Russell Ekenze, 29; Francis Friday, 49; and Linus Agwazie, 51. A 6-inch T-shaped metal tool, believed to be used as a master key, was recovered from one of the vehicles.
The suspects confessed to being part of a larger syndicate and identified other members, including Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, who is currently at large.
Preliminary investigations indicate that all members of the syndicate are Nigerian nationals, except for one suspect believed to be Ghanaian. The police are working to dismantle the entire network and bring all perpetrators to justice. The suspects are currently in custody, and two vehicles used by the syndicate have been impounded.
In a related development, the Nkawie Divisional Police Command has arrested a suspect, William Ofori Atta, 29, in connection with a recent robbery and murder case. The suspect allegedly shot and killed Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye, 28, at a filling station in Mpasatia, Ashanti Region.
The police commend the swift collaboration between the various units involved in the arrests and assure the public of their commitment to ensuring safety and security
