- Three Nigerian nationals convicted for vehicle thefts in Kumasi
- They were arrested on June 20, 2025; sentenced in multiple court proceedings
- Sentences include 8, 10, and 20 years in hard labour — some to run concurrently
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully secured convictions and sentencing for three Nigerian nationals involved in a series of vehicle thefts across the Kumasi metropolis.
According to a police statement issued on Sunday, the individuals were apprehended on June 20, 2025, for targeting and stealing parked vehicles within the city.
On July 22, the accused — Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze — were arraigned before the Atasemanso Circuit Court. During the proceedings, Russell Ekenze pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The remaining two — Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie — pleaded not guilty. However, after their trial on July 23 at Kumasi Circuit Court 3, both were found guilty and each received an eight-year sentence with hard labour, to run concurrently.
Later the same day, Circuit Court 1 heard additional charges against all three for vehicle theft. Each was sentenced to 20 years in hard labour.
On July 24, Ekenze appeared before Circuit Court 2, where he was convicted once more and handed an additional 10-year sentence with hard labour.
All three convicts are currently serving their combined sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.
“This successful prosecution demonstrates the Ashanti Regional Police Command’s firm commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and its close collaboration with the judiciary to ensure that offenders — especially those involved in organized and cross-border crimes — are held fully accountable under the law,” the statement emphasized.
The Police further urged the public to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement by promptly reporting suspicious activities to support crime prevention and public safety efforts.
