The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in two separate intelligence-led operations linked to a robbery-murder and a series of street robberies in parts of Kumasi and its surrounding communities.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters, the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, said the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the region.
According to the police, two of the suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder of 28-year-old Silver Ngozi, which occurred on December 6, 2025, at about 5:00 p.m. at Asokore Mampong.
The suspects, Farouk Iddris, 20, and Salim Mohammed, 19, both motorbike mechanics, with Salim also operating a rickshaw, were arrested on December 12 at a hideout in Aboabo, Kumasi.
The operation was carried out by a joint team from the Regional Headquarters and the Anti-Robbery Unit.
DCOP Osei Akoto said investigations indicate that the suspects robbed the victim, during which one of them allegedly stabbed her with a knife, resulting in her death.
A search conducted in Farouk Iddris’s room led to the recovery of a machete, knives and other offensive weapons.
Police said both suspects admitted to the robbery during interrogation.
Salim Mohammed, who was the pillion rider at the time of the attack, identified a zigzag-edged knife as the weapon used to stab the deceased.
The knife, an iPhone 11 Pro belonging to the victim, and other items have been retrieved as exhibits.
In a separate operation, police arrested three other suspects linked to a series of street robberies across Asokore Mampong, KNUST, Kenyasi, Bosore, Duase, Antoa, Mayanka, Ayeduase and nearby communities.
The suspects were identified as Abdul Fatawu, also known as “UN”, 22; Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”, 24; and Samak Hadi, alias “Toronto”, 21.
A search of their hideout in Aboabo led to the recovery of 59 iPhones, six Android phones, four tablets and five laptops.
DCOP Osei Akoto said all five suspects have confessed to the crimes in their caution statements and are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations.
The police have appealed to members of the public who may have been victims of robberies in the affected areas to report to the nearest police station to support ongoing investigations.
All suspects are expected to be arraigned before the court in due course.
The Police have assured residents of their commitment to maintaining peace, law and order in the Ashanti Region and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to help fight crime.
