Police dismantle vehicle theft syndicate in Kumasi ; five arrested, manhunt ongoing
For months, residents reported disturbing incidents where individuals, after withdrawing large sums of money from banks, were trailed and later robbed from their parked vehicles.
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The Ashanti Regional Police Intelligence Directorate has made a major breakthrough in tackling organised crime, successfully dismantling a syndicate behind a string of vehicle break-ins and cash thefts across Kumasi.
For months, residents reported disturbing incidents where individuals, after withdrawing large sums of money from banks, were trailed and later robbed from their parked vehicles. The criminals often used Toyota Highlander SUVs to follow their targets before forcibly entering unattended cars, sometimes using master keys, other times by breaking in.
Speaking at a press conference, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe explained that the group operated with military-like precision. One member would scout banks and car parks to identify customers with large cash withdrawals, then relay the information to their team, who would trail the victim and strike.
Some of the most notable incidents include
November 15, 2024: GH¢107,000 stolen from a parked Toyota Camry after a withdrawal at ADB, Ahodwo.
March 18, 2025: GH¢88,000 taken near Obaa Yaa chop bar following a bank visit.
March 19, 2025: GH¢22,000 stolen at KNUST Hospital from a Kia Sportage.
The latest theft was recorded on June 11, 2025, again following the same modus operandi.
Thanks to sustained surveillance and video analytics from the Regional Police Emergency Command Centre, two suspicious vehicles were flagged: a gold Toyota Highlander (GT 2471-14) and a black Highlander (GX 7124-12), both using fake license plates.
On June 19, operatives arrested three suspects—Russell Ekenze (29, taxi driver), Francis Friday (49, politician), and Linus Agwazie (51, trader). A 6-inch T-shaped metal tool used as a master key was seized from one of the vehicles.
During interrogation, the trio admitted their roles in a wider network and revealed locations of past crimes including KATH, Asokwa, Shoprite, Mayanka, and the Central Mosque area.
Additional suspects—Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, Ezuchukwu, C.J., D.D., and Lele—were named, with Maduabuchukwu reportedly wounded during a failed arrest. He fled and was later traced to a Kenyase drinking spot owned by Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, who were arrested for sheltering him.
Currently, five suspects are in custody, two vehicles have been impounded, and a manhunt continues for the remaining fugitives. Preliminary intelligence suggests all suspects are Nigerian nationals, except one Ghanaian, identified as D.D.
Police say the suspects also admitted to carrying out similar operations in parts of Accra. Investigations are ongoing to bring the full syndicate to justice.
