Three Nigerian nationals: Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze have each been handed 20-year prison sentences with hard labour following multiple vehicle theft convictions in Kumasi. The Ashanti Regional Police Command revealed the outcome in a press statement, signalling serious consequences for transnational crime.
All the three Nigerian convicts were arrested on June 20, 2025, linked to a series of thefts from parked vehicles across the Kumasi metropolis.
On July 22, at the Atasemanso Circuit Court, Russell Ekenze pleaded guilty, receiving a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour.
On July 23, Francis and Agwazie, who initially pleaded not guilty, were convicted in Circuit Court 3 and each sentenced to eight years in prison on two counts, set to run concurrently. The same day, Circuit Court 1 imposed additional 20-year hard labour terms on all the three thieves.
On July 24, at Circuit Court 2, Ekenze received an extra 10-year sentence on two counts: also to run concurrently, bringing his total effectively to 20 years as well.
The three Nigerian convicts are now serving their sentences at Kumasi Central Prison.
The Ashanti Regional Police has urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities. This case underlines how public vigilance aids law enforcement.
