The Ashanti Regional Police Command has announced that three Nigerian nationals have been "successfully prosecuted and convicted" over "theft activities targeting parked vehicles within the Kumasi Metropolis".

A police statement dated Sunday, September 7, 2025, noted the three were arrested on June 20, 2025, after which the "suspects Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze were arraigned before the Atasemanso Circuit Court" on July 22.

"During proceedings, Russell Ekenze pleaded guilty to the charges and was immediately convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour (IHL). The other two suspects, Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie, pleaded not guilty," police said.

"Subsequently, on 23rd July 2025, the cases of Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie were heard at Circuit Court 3, where both were found guilty and each sentenced to 8 years IHL on two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently."

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Police said, "On the same day, Circuit Court 1 also heard additional charges against all three suspects, resulting in 20-year IHL sentences each, also on two counts, and to run concurrently.

"Finally, on 24th July 2025, Russell Ekenze was further convicted at Circuit Court 2, receiving an additional 10-year IHL sentence on two counts, to run concurrently with his existing sentence."

Police added, "All three convicts Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison."

The statement signed by Godwin Ahianyo, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Head, Public Affairs Unit, Ashanti Region, concluded, "This successful prosecution underscores the Ashanti Regional Police Command's unwavering commitment to protecting life and property and working with the judiciary to ensure that criminal elements, particularly those involved in organized and transnational crime, face the full rigours of the law.

"The Police urge the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and providing timely information to aid in crime prevention and public safety."