Police in Accra have arrested a suspect believed to be at the centre of a network responsible for a wave of motorbike thefts across the city.
Over the past month, residents from Madina to Lapaz have reported missing bikes, and now investigators say they’re closing in on those behind it.
The arrest came after a Madina resident reported his red Royal motorbike stolen on June 24. The bike had been parked inside his house overnight.
Acting swiftly on gathered intelligence, regional officers apprehended Emmanuel Akanpatiba, who was found with the stolen motorbike in his possession.
During questioning, Akanpatiba confessed and identified other members of the group, including one accomplice, Israel Fredrick Lomotey, who remains on the run.
Investigations revealed that at least twelve motorbikes were stolen in recent weeks, with thefts concentrated in Madina, Adenta, Lapaz, and Teshie.
Akanpatiba, also named Nurudeen, Ali, and Inusah, are based in the Agbogbloshie Onion Market, as regular buyers of the stolen motorbikes.
He detailed how he breaks the steering locks, transports the bikes to Agbogbloshie, and sells them for amounts between GHS 2,000 and GHS 3,000, depending on the motorbike’s registration year.
Police continue efforts to arrest the remaining accomplices and recover additional stolen property.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging residents to secure their motorbikes and report suspicious behaviour to the nearest station.
Below is the full statement
