THREE NIGERIAN nationals will spend the next 20 years behind bars after being found guilty of engaging in theft activities in parked vehicles in Kumasi.
The convicts, Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenzie were reportedly sentenced by the Circuit Court 1 in Kumasi on July 24, 2025, the police has said.
DSP Godwin Ahianyo of the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Unit, in a press statement, dated September 6, 2025, confirmed the incarceration of the trio.
The three convicts, he said, were also found guilty in other charges and were sentenced by different courts, but all their sentences would run concurrently, so they would spend 20 years each in prison.
“On July 22, 2025, the suspects Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenzie were arraigned before the Atasemanso Circuit Court.
“During proceedings, Russell Ekenzie pleaded guilty to the charges and was immediately convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour (IHL). The other two suspects, Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie, pleaded not guilty.
“Subsequently, on July 23, 2025, the cases of Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie were heard at
Circuit Court 3, where both were found guilty and each sentenced to 8 years IHL on two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently.
“On the same day, Circuit Court 1 also heard additional charges against all three suspects, resulting in 20-year IHL sentences each, also on two counts, and to run concurrently.
“Finally, on July 24, 2025, Russell Ekenzie was further convicted at Circuit Court 2, receiving an additional 10-year IHL sentence on two counts, to run concurrently with his existing sentence,” DSP Ahianyo stated.
All the three convicts; Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenzie, DSP Ahianyo disclosed, are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.
The police officer said the successful prosecution underscores the Ashanti Regional Police Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting life and property.
He added that it also shows the police is working with the judiciary to ensure that criminal elements, particularly those involved in organised and transnational crime, face the full rigours of the law.
DSP Ahianyo appealed to the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and providing timely information to aid in crime prevention and public safety.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi