The Ashanti Regional Police Command has apprehended five Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian in connection with a spate of bank-related robberies that have rocked Kumasi in recent weeks.
According to Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, the suspects trailed victims after they withdrew substantial sums of money from banks, later breaking into their vehicles to rob them. “They admitted to carrying out similar thefts at several locations within Kumasi, including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Mayanka, Asokwa, Kumasi Central Mosque, ShopRite and Georgia Hotel area,” he said.
The syndicate is believed to have been operating for the past month. Intelligence gathered by police, combined with footage from the intelligence video surveillance (IVS) system at the police emergency command centre, led to the identification of two suspects and the vehicles used in the crimes—a gold-coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number GT 2471-14 and a black Toyota Highlander with registration number GX 7124-12. Both cars were fitted with fake licence plates.
On Thursday, 19th June, 2025, around 10 a.m., the police arrested three more suspects: 29-year-old taxi driver Russell Ekenze, 49-year-old Francis Friday, and 51-year-old trader Linus Agwazie.
In a press briefing, DCOP Teye Cudjoe revealed the suspects confessed to being part of a wider criminal network. “They also named other members of the syndicate as Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, Ezuchukwu, C.J, DD and Lele,” he stated. He further disclosed that during an attempted arrest, Cosmas Maduabuchukwu sustained gunshot wounds but managed to escape.
Currently, six suspects are in police custody, and the two vehicles linked to the crimes have been impounded. A manhunt is ongoing to capture Cosmas Maduabuchukwu and other accomplices still at large.
“Preliminary findings indicate that all members of the syndicate are Nigerian nationals with the exception of DD, who is a Ghanaian and they have been arraigned before the court for lawful remand,” said the police.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of residents across the region.
