Three arrested in Kumasi and Offinso for stealing and re-registering vehicles for sale

The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has arrested three people in connection with a vehicle theft syndicate that re-registered stolen cars before selling them in Kumasi and Offinso, the Ghana Police Service has said.

The suspects, identified as Omar Ahmed, Kwaku Sarpong, also known as Obinim Sticker, and Abdul Salam Yahaya, were arrested at their hideouts through an intelligence-led operation, the police said in a statement issued 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 on the run. Police said they are pursuing him.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang robbed a Toyota Lexus XR with registration number DV 9099-V-2025 during an operation in Kumasi.

They are also suspected to have stolen a Toyota Yaris with registration number DV 805-2025 in Offinso about four months earlier.

The vehicle was re-registered and sold to a man known only as Rasta at Alaba Tinka in Kumasi.

Following his arrest, Mr Sarpong led the police to a cemetery at Fawode in Kumasi, where he said the weapon used in the robbery was hidden. The weapon was not found.

Acting on intelligence, the police arrested Mr Yahaya at the St Patrick Government Hospital in Offinso. He admitted to scouting vehicles for the gang, the statement said.

Investigators later identified Rasta as Francis Barfi. Mr Barfi was arrested at the Kumasi Central Police Intelligence Department when he arrived with the stolen Toyota Yaris, which had been re-registered as AS 2450-25.

The vehicle has been impounded for further investigation.

All three suspects are in police custody and are assisting with investigations. Police said efforts are ongoing to track down Mr Suleman to face prosecution.