Kumasi: The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully secured convictions and 20-year sentences against three Nigerians involved in vehicle theft within the Kumasi metropolis.
According to Ghana News Agency, the three individuals were apprehended by the police on June 20, 2025, for targeting parked vehicles for theft within the region. Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned on July 22 at the Atasemanso Circuit Court. During the court proceedings, Russell Ekenze admitted guilt and received a 10-year sentence of hard labor.
In contrast, Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie initially pled not guilty. However, on July 23, 2025, both were found guilty at Circuit Court 3 in Kumasi and were handed eight-year sentences of hard labor, to be served concurrently. On the same day, Circuit Court 1 heard additional charges of vehicle theft against all three, resulting in each receiving a 20-year sentence of hard labor.
Further legal proceedings on July 24 saw Ekenze being convicted once more at Circuit Court 2 and receiving an additional 10-year sentence of hard labor. Currently, all three convicts are serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.
The statement from the police emphasized that this successful prosecution reflects the Ashanti Regional Police Command's dedication to safeguarding lives and property, as well as its partnership with the judiciary to ensure that individuals involved in organized and transnational crime are duly prosecuted. The police also encouraged the public to continue assisting law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and providing prompt information to support crime prevention and public safety initiatives.
