Police Dismantle Nigerian Syndicate Behind Major Vehicle Thefts, Cash Heists in Ghana

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has broken up a criminal syndicate behind a string of targeted vehicle thefts and cash robberies in Kumasi, Ghana. Five Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian were arrested in connection with the sophisticated operations that involved trailing and robbing individuals who had withdrawn large sums of money from banks.

The arrests followed a coordinated, intelligence-led operation by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate. At a press briefing held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the M.A. Alhassan Conference Hall, Regional Commander DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe revealed that the suspects tracked their victims using Toyota Highlander vehicles, waiting until they left their cars unattended before breaking in with master keys or by force.

Several high-profile thefts have been linked to the group. These include the theft of GHC 107,000 at ADB Ahodwo on November 15, 2024; GHC 88,000 near Obaa Yaa Chop Bar on March 18, 2025; GHC 22,000 at KNUST Hospital on March 19, 2025; GHC 100,000 at Afrifa Junction, Ayeduase on March 24, 2025; GHC 95,000 at Tafo Pankrono on April 9, 2025; and GHC 85,000 at Asawase Market on June 11, 2025.

Surveillance footage from the Regional Police Emergency Command Centre helped identify two Toyota Highlander vehicles with fake license plates used in the crimes. On June 19, police arrested three key suspects: Russell Ekenze, a 29-year-old taxi driver; Francis Friday, a 49-year-old politician; and Linus Agwazie, a 51-year-old trader. A 6-inch T-shaped metal tool believed to be a master key was seized during the operation.

The suspects admitted to belonging to a larger syndicate active in key areas such as KATH, Asokwa, Shoprite, and the Central Mosque. Additional members named include Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, Ezuchukwu, C.J., D.D., and Lele. Cosmas Maduabuchukwu managed to escape during an attempted arrest despite sustaining gunshot wounds. He was later found hiding at a bar in Kenyase, where two women, Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, were arrested for harboring him.

All five suspects currently in custody are Nigerian nationals, while one Ghanaian accomplice remains under investigation. The Ashanti Regional Police Command praised the efforts of all units involved and reaffirmed its commitment to public safety. The police are urging members of the public with additional information to come forward to support ongoing investigations.