A motorbike theft report has led to the dismantling of a suspected theft network in the Upper West Region, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 17 stolen motorbikes in an intelligence-led police operation.
According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, the breakthrough began after a woman reported that her black Luojia motorbike, with registration number M-21-UW 3512, had been stolen from the premises of the Ghana National Fire Service in Jirapa on July 11, 2026. Determined to recover the bike, she shared its details with friends while also reporting the incident to the police.
The information proved crucial when investigators traced the stolen motorbike to Loho in the Nadowli-Kaleo District. Police arrested Nasiru Muftawu, who was allegedly found with the motorbike. During investigations, he reportedly admitted to the theft, providing detectives with leads that expanded the scope of the case.
Further intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Basit Muftawu, also known as Posey, Issahaku Maruf, popularly called Katel, and Mohammed Ali, also known as Geewaa.
Police investigations later led to the recovery of more exhibits connected to the case from Rashid Kankan, Mutala Rashad, and Haruna Hamdan, also known as DJ, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to seven.
As investigations progressed, officers uncovered an even bigger operation. In addition to the initially stolen motorbike, police recovered 16 more motorbikes believed to have been stolen from different locations, including the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies, Chakor and Glamon, all within the Wa Municipality.
The seven suspects have since been arraigned before the Wa Circuit Court and remanded into police custody. They are expected to reappear before the court on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Upper West Regional Police Command has appealed to members of the public whose motorbikes may have been stolen to report to the Wa District Police Headquarters with valid ownership documents to identify and reclaim their property.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime and dismantling criminal networks across the region. It also urged residents to continue volunteering credible information to the police, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against crime and the maintenance of peace and security.
BY GBEDEVI DORCAS SELORM