Three suspects arrested in Kumasi and Offinso for alleged vehicle theft

The Ghana Police Service has reported that the Ashanti North Regional Police Command has apprehended three individuals in connection with a vehicle theft syndicate that re-registered stolen vehicles before selling them in Kumasi and Offinso.

The suspects, identified as Omar Ahmed, Kwaku Sarpong, also known as Obinim Sticker, and Abdul Salam Yahaya, were apprehended at their hideouts through an intelligence-led operation, as stated in a police statement released on Monday, October 20, 2025.

A fourth suspect, Jafar Suleman, alias Bonti, who is believed to have used a pump-action gun in the robberies, is currently on the run.

The police are pursuing him. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the gang stole a Toyota Lexus XR with registration number DV 9099-V-2025 during an operation in Kumasi.

It is also alleged that they stole a Toyota Yaris with registration number DV 805-2025 in Offinso about four months ago. The vehicle was re-registered and sold to a man known only as Rasta at Alaba Tinka in Kumasi.

Following his arrest, Mr. Sarpong directed the police to a cemetery at Fawode in Kumasi, where he stated the weapon used in the robbery was concealed. Regrettably, the weapon was not recovered. Based on intelligence, the police apprehended Mr. Yahaya at the St. Patrick Government Hospital in Offinso.

He confessed to scouting vehicles for the gang, as per the statement. Subsequent investigations revealed Rasta’s true identity as Francis Barfi.

Mr. Barfi was arrested at the Kumasi Central Police Intelligence Department upon arriving with the stolen Toyota Yaris, now re-registered as AS 2450-25. The vehicle has been seized for further investigation.

All three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the investigation. The police are working to locate Mr. Suleman to face prosecution.