The Ghana Police Service has apprehended five individuals in relation to a taxi phone-snatching operation that primarily targeted passengers, especially women, throughout Accra and its neighbouring areas.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Director of Police Operations, DCOP Theodore Hlormenu, revealed that three main suspects were detained on January 12 as a result of intelligence-driven operations.
The suspects include Selassie Lawrence, known as Abe, aged 45; Richard Osei, aged 36; and Charles Kofi Nti, commonly referred to as Survivor, aged 40.
Additionally, two alleged receivers of the stolen phones were apprehended. They are John William Ampon, known as Willie, aged 47, who operates in Circle, and Frederick Berko, aged 30, a mobile phone dealer based in Atomic.
DCOP Hlormenu stated that the suspects primarily conducted their operations in the mornings, masquerading as commercial taxi drivers.
He explained that two of the suspects would sit in the front of the vehicle, while one would occupy the back seat with the passenger.
“The doors are locked so the passenger cannot get out easily. While the victim struggles with the door, the suspect at the back takes the phone or wallet,” DCOP Hlormenu stated.
He clarified that enquiries commenced following a complaint filed on November 17, 2025, by a woman who reported that she took a taxi from Madina to Adenta Aviation.
Upon arriving at her destination, the passengers allegedly seized her iPhone 14 and instructed her to exit the vehicle.
Authorities indicated that intelligence gathering and technical surveillance subsequently facilitated the identification of a black and yellow Toyota Vitz utilised by the suspects.
Their movements and hideouts were monitored in Kasoa, Taifa, Kwashieman, Amasaman, and the surrounding areas.
On January 12, 2026, the vehicle was detected via the surveillance system and was intercepted at Awoshie.
Additional operations conducted on the same day in Kwashieman and Achimota resulted in the apprehension of Mr. Osei, who attempted to escape.
A green and yellow Matiz, believed to be associated with the group, was also recovered.
The police team then proceeded to the Dome, where Mr. Nti was discovered hiding in a room within a residential building and was arrested following a search.
All three main suspects are presently in police custody and are cooperating with the investigations.
DCOP Hlormenu urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the police as efforts persist to dismantle criminal networks.
