The Atasemanso Circuit Court in Kumasi has sentenced three Nigerian nationals to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in a series of vehicle thefts across the Kumasi metropolis in the Ashanti Region.
The convicts—Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze—were arrested by the Ashanti Regional Police Command during a targeted patrol operation on June 20, 2025. The operation focused on identifying and preventing theft involving parked vehicles.
The suspects were first arraigned on July 22, 2025. During the proceedings:
- Russell Ekenze pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
- Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie pleaded not guilty, leading to separate trials.
On July 23, Circuit Court 3 found both Friday and Agwazie guilty on two counts each, sentencing them to eight years imprisonment (to run concurrently). That same day, Circuit Court 1 imposed an additional 20-year concurrent sentence on all three convicts for related offences.
The legal proceedings continued the following day, with Circuit Court 2 handing Ekenze a further 10-year sentence with hard labour, also to be served concurrently with his existing term.
All three individuals are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.
In a statement, the Ashanti Regional Police Command hailed the convictions as a major milestone in the fight against organized and transnational crime.
“This outcome reflects our firm commitment to protecting lives and property, and sending a clear message to criminal networks operating in the region,” the Command said.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting police efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
