Police bust motorbike theft ring, others on the run

The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a key suspect believed to be behind a string of motorbike thefts reported across the capital in recent weeks.

The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Akanpatiba, was picked up by police on June 24, 2025, after a resident of Madina reported that his red Royal motorbike, with registration number M-25-CW 367, had been stolen overnight while parked in his compound.

Acting on intelligence, a police team traced Akanpatiba and found him in possession of the stolen bike.

According to a statement signed by Supt. Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Relations, Accra Region, he admitted to the theft and named Israel Fredrick Lomotey, who is currently on the run, as an accomplice  during interrogation.

Further investigations have linked the suspect and his network to at least twelve motorbike thefts in neighbourhoods including Madina, Adenta, Lapaz, and Teshie within the past month.

The police have identified other alleged accomplices as Nurudeen, Ali, and Inusah, all said to operate at the Agbogbloshie Onion Market where they receive and sell the stolen motorbikes. Akanpatiba revealed that the syndicate typically breaks the steering locks of parked bikes, moves them to Agbogbloshie, and sells them for between GHS 2,000 and GHS 3,000 depending on the bike’s year of registration.

The Accra Regional Police Command says efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover more stolen motorbikes. Officers have urged the public to properly secure their motorbikes and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Read the full statement below: