The Ashanti Regional Police Command successfully apprehended and secured convictions against three Nigerian nationals, Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze, responsible for a wave of vehicle thefts plaguing Kumasi. Their arrests on June 20, 2025, marked a turning point in the city’s fight against organized crime, bringing a sense of relief to residents who had been increasingly concerned about the safety of their parked vehicles. The trio’s apprehension and subsequent prosecution unfolded across multiple circuit courts in Kumasi, highlighting the seriousness of their offenses and the determination of law enforcement to hold them accountable.
The legal proceedings against the three individuals took place swiftly and decisively. Russell Ekenze, appearing before the Atasemanso Circuit Court on July 22, pleaded guilty to the charges and received a 10-year prison sentence with hard labor. His accomplices, Friday and Agwazie, initially pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Circuit Court 3 the following day. However, the evidence presented against them proved overwhelming, leading to their swift conviction and sentencing to concurrent 8-year prison terms with hard labor.
The convictions handed down by Circuit Courts 3 and the Atasemanso Court, while significant, did not represent the full extent of the legal consequences faced by the three Nigerian nationals. On July 23, Circuit Court 1 further imposed a 20-year sentence with hard labor on each of them, to run concurrently with their existing sentences. This additional sentence underscored the gravity of their crimes and reinforced the court’s commitment to deterring similar offenses in the future. Finally, on July 24, Ekenze received yet another 10-year sentence from Circuit Court 2, adding to his already substantial prison term. This cumulative sentencing approach ensured that the severity of their actions was reflected in the duration of their punishment.
With all sentences running concurrently, the longest term of 20 years effectively became the operative sentence for all three men. This concurrent sentencing approach, while ensuring a significant punishment, avoids the complexities and potential inequities that can arise from consecutive sentences. As a result, Friday, Agwazie, and Ekenze are now incarcerated at Kumasi Central Prison, serving their sentences and facing the consequences of their criminal activities. The successful prosecution and imprisonment of these individuals demonstrate the efficacy of the judicial system in addressing organized crime and upholding the rule of law.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command celebrated the successful convictions as a testament to their unwavering commitment to combatting organized and transnational crime. The outcome of this case serves as a clear deterrent to others considering similar criminal activities. The swift apprehension, prosecution, and sentencing of the three Nigerian nationals send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the region. The police force demonstrated its dedication to protecting the community and maintaining public safety through diligent investigation and effective collaboration with the judicial system.
Beyond the immediate impact of the arrests and convictions, the Ashanti Regional Police Command emphasized the importance of continued public vigilance in preventing future crimes. They urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activity promptly to law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach between law enforcement and the community is crucial in maintaining a secure environment and protecting lives and property. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, the police force aims to deter criminal activity and ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the Kumasi metropolis. The success in this case serves as a motivating example of what can be achieved through effective community policing and interagency cooperation.
