Ghanaian Courts Hand 96 Years Jail Time To Three Nigerians Over Organised And Transnational Vehicle Theft

 

A major crackdown on vehicle theft in Ghana reached a decisive stage this week after three Nigerian nationals were given long prison sentences amounting to a combined 96 years. The judgment, which drew attention across the Ashanti Region, was confirmed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Regional Police Command, Godwin Ahianyo, during a press briefing on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The convicts, identified as Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze, had been under investigation since their arrest on June 20, 2025. They were eventually prosecuted in separate cases before different circuit courts in Kumasi. Each court delivered stiff penalties in line with the severity of the offenses committed, reinforcing the Ghana Police Service’s determination to combat organized crime.

Court records showed that Ekenze admitted guilt during his first appearance at the Atasemanso Circuit Court. His plea resulted in a swift conviction, leading to a 10-year prison term with hard labour. The rapid conclusion of his case was described as an important breakthrough that set the pace for the prosecution of his accomplices.

Friday and Agwazie, who had initially denied their involvement, maintained a not guilty plea during the early stages of proceedings. However, the weight of the evidence presented by prosecutors eventually led to their conviction at Circuit Court 3. Both men were sentenced to 8 years each on two counts, although the court ordered their sentences to run concurrently, reducing the overall time they would serve for that particular trial.

The case did not end there. A subsequent hearing at Circuit Court 1 saw all three men jointly charged again. This time, the outcome was even harsher. Each of the accused received 20 years’ imprisonment on two separate counts, also to run concurrently. The gravity of this judgment underlined how Ghanaian courts are increasingly clamping down on transnational criminal activities that threaten the safety and trust of communities.

As proceedings continued, Ekenze once more appeared at Circuit Court 2, where he faced fresh charges. He was convicted again and handed an additional 10-year prison term, also to run concurrently. By the time all trials were concluded, the three Nigerians had been given a combined sentence of 96 years. They are now serving their respective terms at Kumasi Central Prison.

Law enforcement officials have described the outcome as a significant success in their ongoing battle against organised vehicle theft. According to the police, the sentencing demonstrated both the efficiency of their investigative work and the commitment of the judiciary to apply the law firmly. The Ashanti Regional Police Command used the opportunity to call on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity that may assist in curbing criminal networks.

Vehicle theft has been an increasing concern in parts of Ghana, especially in urban centres such as Kumasi, where stolen cars are often transported across borders or dismantled for parts. The involvement of foreign nationals has raised additional questions about how cross-border syndicates operate and the level of coordination they achieve. Security experts believe such cases highlight the need for stronger cooperation between Ghana and neighbouring countries to track, intercept, and dismantle these networks before they expand further.

Community leaders in Kumasi have also reacted to the sentencing. Some praised the swift response of the police, while others stressed the importance of addressing the root causes that make cities attractive to organised criminals. Calls have been made for better surveillance systems, stronger border checks, and improved community policing to deter similar crimes in the future.

The long sentences handed to Friday, Agwazie, and Ekenze send a powerful message to those who may consider engaging in similar criminal enterprises. Ghanaian authorities insist that the justice system will not hesitate to impose tough penalties on offenders, regardless of their nationality. Officials further urged residents not to provide cover for criminal actors but instead to join forces with law enforcement in creating safer communities.

Public reaction to the news has been mixed. While many have welcomed the heavy sentences, others argue that cross-border collaboration should be prioritized so that such offenders can be prevented from entering Ghana in the first place. Civil society organizations monitoring crime trends believe that greater investment in intelligence gathering and data sharing across West Africa would significantly reduce the risks posed by transnational crime.

For now, the three convicts remain behind bars at Kumasi Central Prison, where they will serve the sentences imposed. The development has once again placed the spotlight on the challenges posed by transnational crimes and the lengths to which the Ghanaian justice system is willing to go in order to protect lives and property.

The police, while celebrating this victory, continue to call on citizens to play a role in fighting crime. They have urged people to report stolen vehicles, suspicious movements, and unfamiliar individuals involved in questionable activities. The belief is that effective policing requires not only professional investigations but also active cooperation from the communities that are most affected by crime.

The sentencing of Friday, Agwazie, and Ekenze has therefore become both a cautionary tale and a landmark case, serving as a reminder that crime, no matter how organized, is not beyond the reach of justice in Ghana.