The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of a 28-year-old woman, Sova Ngozi, as well as a series of street robberies across several communities in Kumasi and its environs.
Addressing a press conference, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, said the murder occurred on December 6, 2025, at about 5:00 p.m. at Asokore Mampong, where the victim was attacked and robbed.
According to DCOP Osei Akoto, intelligence-led operations conducted on December 12, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., led to the arrest of two suspects at their hideout at Aboabo in Kumasi. The suspects were identified as Farouk Idris, 20, a motorbike mechanic and rider, and Salim Mohammed, 19, also a motorbike mechanic and rickshaw rider.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects robbed the deceased during which one of them allegedly stabbed her, leading to her death. A search conducted in the room of Farouk Idris resulted in the retrieval of a machete, knives and other offensive weapons.
DCOP Osei Akoto disclosed that during interrogation, both suspects admitted to the crime. He said Salim Mohammed, who was the pillion rider on the day of the incident, identified a zigzag-edged knife as the weapon he used to stab the deceased.
Police also retrieved an iPhone 11 Pro, believed to belong to the deceased, which was stolen during the robbery. The knife and phone have been retained for evidential purposes. The suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, and will be arraigned before court.
In a related development, the police commander announced the arrest of three additional suspects linked to a series of street robberies within Asokore Mampong, KNUST, Kenyase, Bosore, Boadi, Diaso, Antoa, Mayanka, Ayeduase, and surrounding areas.
The suspects were identified as Abdul Fatawu, also known as UN, aged 22; Philip Nyarko, alias Kawawa, aged 24; and Samad Had , alias Toronto, aged 21.
Items retrieved from their hideouts at Aboabo included 59 iPhones, six Android phones, four tablets and five laptops. Police said all three suspects have confessed to the offences in their caution statements and are currently assisting with investigations.
DCOP Osei Akoto appealed to members of the public who may have been victims of robberies within the affected areas to report to the Ashanti Regional Police Command to support ongoing investigations.
He assured the public of the Ghana Police Service’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, law and order in the region and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to help combat crime.
All suspects are expected to be put before court in due course to face the full rigours of the law.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaaac Justice Bediako
