Three Nigerians Sentenced to 20 Years for Vehicle Theft in Kumasi
Three Nigerians Sentenced to 20 Years for Vehicle Theft in Kumasi
September 8, 2025
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully secured convictions against three Nigerian nationals involved in a series of vehicle thefts across the Kumasi metropolis. Each of the convicts has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, marking a significant victory for local law enforcement in their ongoing battle against organized crime.
The trio—Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze—were apprehended on June 20, 2025, following a string of thefts targeting parked vehicles in the area. According to a statement released by the Ghana Police Service, the arrests were part of a broader initiative to enhance public safety and deter criminal activities.
On July 22, the three were brought before the Atasemanso Circuit Court. During the proceedings, Russell Ekenze admitted guilt and received a 10-year sentence with hard labor. In contrast, his co-defendants, Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie, pleaded not guilty.
The following day, both Friday and Agwazie were found guilty and sentenced to eight years in hard labor, with their sentences set to run concurrently. However, the court did not stop there; on the same day, additional charges of vehicle theft were brought against all three men, resulting in the 20-year sentences.
Ekenze faced further charges at Circuit Court 2 on July 24, where he was again convicted and handed an additional 10-year sentence. All three men are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.
“This successful prosecution underscores the Ashanti Regional Police Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the police statement emphasized. “We are dedicated to working with the judiciary to ensure that criminal elements face the full rigors of the law.”
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in crime prevention efforts.
As the Kumasi community breathes a sigh of relief, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime and the importance of public vigilance in ensuring safety.
