The Ashanti Regional Police Command has dismantled a sophisticated criminal syndicate that targeted individuals who had just withdrawn large sums of money from financial institutions, following a spate of high-profile vehicle break-ins and thefts across Kumasi.
According to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the syndicate’s operations were carefully coordinated. A member of the gang would loiter around banks and car parks to spot potential victims—often those withdrawing substantial cash.
Once a target was identified, they would inform their accomplices, who would then trail the victim in Toyota Highlander vehicles. At the opportune moment—typically when the victims left their vehicles unattended—the gang would forcibly break in or use specially crafted tools to access the cash.
Speaking to the media, DCOP Teye-Cudjoe stated, “Our investigations established a clear pattern of surveillance and execution. This group was highly organized and operated with precision. They monitored banking halls and attacked victims soon after withdrawals, mostly using Toyota Highlander SUVs bearing fake registration numbers.”
A series of cases recorded over several months paint a troubling picture. On November 15, 2024, a victim who withdrew GH¢107,000 from the Agricultural Development Bank at Ahodwo roundabout had his Toyota Camry broken into at the bank’s parking lot.
Similarly, on March 18, 2025, another victim lost GH¢88,000 after parking near Obaa Yaa Chop Bar following a withdrawal.
More incidents followed in rapid succession. On March 19, GH¢22,000 was stolen from a parked Kia Sportage at the KNUST Hospital Emergency Unit after a withdrawal at Absa Bank. On March 24, GH¢100,000 vanished from a vehicle at Afrifa Junction after a transaction at Zenith Bank, KNUST branch.
In April, GH¢95,000 was stolen from a Rav4 parked at a food joint in Tafo Pankrono, and on June 11, GH¢85,000 was taken from a victim who had just left the National Investment Bank, Suame, and parked near the Asawase market.
Following intensive surveillance and intelligence-gathering—supplemented by footage from the Regional Police Emergency Command Centre’s Intelligence Video Surveillance (IVS) system—two suspect vehicles were identified: a gold Toyota Highlander with registration number GT 2471-14 and a black Highlander with GX 7124-12. Investigations later confirmed that both plates were forged.
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, around 10:00 a.m., Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) operatives arrested three suspects: Russell Ekenze, 29, a taxi driver; Francis Friday, 49, a self-described politician; and Linus Agwazie, 51, a trader. During the arrest, officers retrieved a six-inch T-shaped metal object believed to be a master key used in the thefts.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles in the syndicate and admitted to carrying out similar operations in areas such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Asokwa, Shoprite, Georgia Hotel, and the Kumasi Central Mosque,” DCOP Teye-Cudjoe disclosed.
The suspects also named other syndicate members: Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, Ezuchukwu, C.J., D.D., and Lele. One of the primary suspects, Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during an attempted arrest and fled.
Intelligence led police to a drinking bar in Kenyase, owned by Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, where Cosmas had been hiding. Both women were arrested for obstructing police investigations.
Currently, five suspects—Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, Russell Ekenze, Gifty Ozurumbam, and Gladys Ibrahim—are in custody and are expected to appear in court to secure lawful remand. The two Toyota Highlanders used in the operations have also been impounded.
DCOP Teye-Cudjoe confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate all suspects, except one identified as “D.D.,” are Nigerian nationals.
He added that the Command will be collaborating with the Greater Accra Regional Police to trace similar incidents linked to the syndicate in the capital.
In a separate development, the Nkawie Divisional Police Command, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Cyber Crime Unit and Kukuom Police, has arrested William Ofori Atta, 29, in connection with a robbery and murder at the Radiance Filling Station in Mpasatia.
The incident occurred on May 26, 2025, and claimed the life of 28-year-old Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye.
Ofori Atta was arrested at his hideout in Kukuom in the Ahafo Region at 5:30 a.m. on June 21. During interrogation, he admitted to shooting the victim. A mobile phone believed to belong to the deceased was retrieved from his possession and is being subjected to forensic analysis.
“We commend the swift coordination between all the units involved in these operations,” said DCOP Teye-Cudjoe.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents in the region. We encourage the public to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.”
