5 Nigerians arrested in Ghana as police uncover notorious criminal syndicate behind targeted vehicle theft and series of high-profile cash heists

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - The Ashanti Regional Police Command in Ghana has dismantled a notorious Nigerian criminal syndicate responsible for a string of targeted vehicle thefts and cash robberies across the Kumasi Metropolis.

The suspects, including five Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian, were arrested following an extensive intelligence-led operation by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (PID).

Addressing the media on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the M.A. Alhassan Conference Hall, Regional Commander DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe disclosed that the syndicate specialized in trailing individuals who withdrew large sums of money from financial institutions and subsequently broke into their vehicles to steal the cash

Over the past several months, victims were followed from banks by suspects using Toyota Highlander vehicles. The thieves would strike once the victims left their vehicles unattended—breaking in with master keys or force. 

Multiple cases were recorded, including: GHC 107,000 stolen at ADB Ahodwo (Nov 15, 2024) GHC 88,000 stolen near Obaa Yaa Chop Bar (Mar 18, 2025), GHC 22,000 stolen from a Kia Sportage at KNUST Hospital (Mar 19, 2025), GHC 100,000 stolen at Afrifa Junction, Ayeduase (Mar 24, 2025), GHC 95,000 stolen at Tafo Pankrono (Apr 9, 2025), GHC 85,000 stolen at Asawase Market (Jun 11, 2025). 

Surveillance systems at the Regional Police Emergency Command Centre helped identify two Toyota Highlander vehicles with fake registration numbers. 

On June 19, 2025, police arrested three suspects—Russell Ekenze (29), a taxi driver; Francis Friday (49), a politician; and Linus Agwazie (51), a trader. A 6-inch T-shaped metal believed to be a master key was recovered.

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

Cosmas Maduabuchukwu escaped after sustaining gunshot wounds during an arrest attempt. He was later found to have hidden at a bar in Kenyase. The owners, Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, were arrested for shielding him.

Five suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned. Police say all suspects are Nigerian nationals except one Ghanaian accomplice.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command commended all units involved and assured the public of its commitment to safety.

 The police encouraged anyone with further information on these cases to assist with ongoing investigations.