Police bust alleged motorbike theft syndicate, recover 17 suspected stolen bikes in Upper West

The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a suspected motorbike theft syndicate and recovered 17 suspected stolen motorbikes in a series of intelligence-led operations across the Wa Municipality.

The arrests followed investigations into the theft of a black Luojia motorbike reported stolen on July 11, at the Ghana National Fire Service premises in Jirapa.

Police said the operation later uncovered more suspected stolen motorbikes from UBIDS, Chakor and Glamon in the Wa Municipality.

Seven suspects have since been arrested, arraigned before the Wa Circuit Court and remanded into police custody.

They are expected to reappear before the court on Tuesday, August 11.

"The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a group of suspects involved in a motorbike theft within the region. The Command has also recovered seventeen (17) motorbikes stolen from various locations within the Wa Municipality and other parts of the region," the police said in a press release issued on Thursday, July 23.

According to the statement, the operation began after a victim reported that her black Luojia motorbike, bearing registration number M-21-UW 3512, had been stolen from the Ghana National Fire Service premises in Jirapa.

The victim circulated details of the stolen motorbike among friends and the police, leading to intelligence that resulted in the arrest of Nasiru Muftawu at Loho while allegedly in possession of the motorbike.

Police said the suspect admitted during interrogation to stealing the motorbike and was taken into custody to assist investigations.

Further intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of Basit Muftawu, also known as Posey, 19; Issahaku Maruf, also known as Katel, 22; and Mohammed Ali, also known as Geewaa, 18.

Police also recovered exhibits linked to the alleged offences from Rashid Kankan, 20; Mutala Rashad, 20; and Haruna Hamdan, also known as DJ, 20.

Investigators subsequently recovered 16 additional motorbikes believed to have been stolen from UBIDS, Chakor and Glamon, bringing the total number of recovered motorbikes to 17.

"The Upper West Regional Police Command wishes to assure the public of its unwavering commitment to combating crime and dismantling criminal networks. The Command also encourages the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing policing efforts in the region," the statement added.