Kumasi, June 23, 2025 – The Ashanti Regional Police Command has made a breakthrough in combating organised crime, arresting five suspects and dismantling a syndicate involved in a series of targeted vehicle break-ins and cash thefts across the Kumasi Metropolis.
At a media briefing at the M.A. Alhassan Conference Hall, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, detailed how the syndicate tracked individuals who withdrew large sums of money from financial institutions, in a Toyota Highlander SUV, and broke into their vehicles to steal the cash.
Modus Operandi
The group operated in a coordinated fashion. One member would scout banking halls and car parks for high-value withdrawals. Once a target was identified, they alerted accomplices in waiting vehicles, who then trailed and struck once the victim’s car was unattended.
Several cases were cited:
- Nov 15, 2024: ₵107,000 stolen at ADB, Ahodwo Roundabout
- Mar 18, 2025: ₵88,000 stolen near Obaa Yaa Chop Bar
- Mar 19, 2025: ₵22,000 stolen from a Kia Shortage at KNUST Hospital
- Mar 24, 2025: ₵100,000 stolen after withdrawal from Zenith Bank, KNUST
- Apr 9, 2025: ₵95,000 stolen near GCB Suame
- Jun 11, 2025: ₵85,000 stolen after withdrawal from NIB, Suame
Arrest and Surveillance
Using intelligence and footage from the Police Emergency Command Centre, two suspicious vehicles—a gold and a black Toyota Highlander—were tracked and identified with fake license plates.
On June 19, 2025, police arrested:
- Russell Ekenze, 29 (Taxi Driver)
- Francis Friday, 49 (Politician)
- Linus Agwazie, 51 (Trader)
A 6-inch T-shaped metal tool, believed to be used as a master key, was recovered.
The suspects confessed to being part of a larger criminal syndicate and named Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, Ezuchukwu, C.J., D.D., and Lele as other members. Cosmas reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds and later took refuge at a drinking bar in Kenyase.
Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, the bar owners, were arrested for obstruction of justice.
Ongoing Investigation
Five suspects are currently in custody, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend Cosmas and the remaining accomplices. Preliminary findings indicate most suspects are Nigerian nationals, except for one Ghanaian, identified as “D.D.”
The syndicate is also suspected to have operated in parts of Accra, and the Ashanti Command is liaising with the Greater Accra Regional Police to widen the investigation.
Separate Case: Robbery and Murder Suspect Nabbed
In a related development, the Nkawie Divisional Police Command has arrested William Ofori Atta, 29, for the robbery and murder of Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye, a 28-year-old worker at Radiance Filling Station in Mpasatia.
Ofori Atta was arrested in a dawn operation at Kukuom in the Ahafo Region on June 21. He confessed to the crime during interrogation. A mobile phone belonging to the deceased was retrieved and is undergoing forensic analysis.
Police Assure Public Safety
The Ashanti Regional Police Command praised the collaborative efforts of its units and reaffirmed its commitment to public safety.
“We urge members of the public with any relevant information to come forward and assist in our ongoing investigations,” said DCOP Teye-Cudjoe.
DCOP Teye-Cudjoe further assured of updates will be provided as investigations progress.
By Peter Quao Adattor
