Ghana police arrest three over taxi phone snatching scam

Police have arrested three men they believe are part of a gang that uses taxis to rob passengers of their mobile phones and other valuables.

The suspects – Sasu Lawrence (alias Agbe), Richard Osei and Charles Kofi Nti (alias Survivor) – were picked up on 12 January 2026 after a targeted operation, the Ghana Police Service said.

Investigators say the group typically goes out at dawn, using a taxi that appears to be operating as a normal commercial vehicle. Two of the suspects sit in the front seats posing as driver and “mate”, while the third takes a seat in the back.

Once a passenger, often a woman, gets into the cab, the doors are allegedly locked from inside to prevent her from getting out.

Officers say the suspect seated at the back then pretends to help the passenger open the door, but uses the distraction to slip away phones, wallets or other personal items.

All three men are in police custody and are being questioned.

Police say they are now pursuing other members of the alleged syndicate, including people suspected of buying and reselling the stolen items.

The Service has urged commuters, particularly early morning travellers, to take extra care when boarding taxis and to report any suspicious behaviour or attempted thefts to the nearest police station.