Ghana Police Dismantle Nigerian-Led Criminal Syndicate Behind Series of Vehicle Robberies in Kumasi

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The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious Nigerian criminal syndicate linked to a series of high-profile vehicle thefts and cash robberies across the Kumasi Metropolis.

The group, comprising five Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian, was apprehended following an extensive intelligence-led operation by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (PID).

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the M.A. Alhassan Conference Hall, Regional Commander DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe revealed that the gang specialized in targeting individuals who withdrew large amounts of money from banks. The criminals would trail their victims using Toyota Highlander vehicles, wait until the victims left their cars unattended, and then break in using master keys or force.

A string of robberies had been traced to the group, including:

  1. GHC 107,000 stolen at ADB Bank, Ahodwo – November 15, 2024
  2. GHC 88,000 stolen near Obaa Yaa Chop Bar – March 18, 2025
  3. GHC 22,000 taken from a Kia Sportage at KNUST Hospital – March 19, 2025
  4. GHC 100,000 stolen at Afrifa Junction, Ayeduase – March 24, 2025
  5. GHC 95,000 stolen at Tafo Pankrono – April 9, 2025
  6. GHC 85,000 stolen at Asawase Market – June 11, 2025

Using footage from surveillance systems at the Regional Police Emergency Command Centre, investigators identified two Toyota Highlanders with fake number plates used in the crimes

On June 19, 2025, police arrested three key suspects:

  • Russell Ekenze (29) – taxi driver
  • Francis Friday (49) – politician
  • Linus Agwazie (51) – trader

A 6-inch T-shaped metal, believed to be a master key, was recovered during the arrest.

The suspects confessed to being part of a larger syndicate operating in major Kumasi hotspots, including KATH, Asokwa, Shoprite, and the Central Mosque. Other members identified include Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, Ezuchukwu, C.J., D.D., and Lele.

During an attempted arrest, Cosmas Maduabuchukwu was shot but managed to escape. He was later found hiding in a bar in Kenyase. The bar owners, Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, were subsequently arrested for harboring him.

Currently, five suspects are in custody and are set to be arraigned. Police confirmed that all but one of the suspects are Nigerian nationals, with the remaining accomplice being Ghanaian.





The Ashanti Regional Police Command praised all officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety. Authorities also urged the public to come forward with any additional information to aid ongoing investigations.

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