The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of a key suspect in a string of exotic car vandalism incidents that have plagued highbrow neighborhoods in the city.
The suspect, identified as Jude Onouha, is said to be the kingpin of the vandalism ring in the state.
Tbe 46-yeat old suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following a tip-off.
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According to the police, the suspect had been disguising himself as a security guard to gain access to properties where the exotic cars were parked.
Once inside, he would vandalize the vehicles, making off with valuable parts and accessories.
Deputy Spokesman for the Command, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, in a statement on Saturday described Jude as the leader of a vicious and notorious criminal syndicate that specializes in disguising as security operatives in fake security outfit uniforms and using a Mercedes car jack modified to look like firearms to gain access into estates within Lagos metropolis.
Oluseyi disclosed that the suspect and his gang specialized in disguising themselves as security operatives, wearing fake uniforms and using a modified Mercedes-Benz car jack, crafted to resemble a firearm, to deceive unsuspecting estate security personnel.
He said the suspect and his gang members, acting under the false pretense of conducting security investigations, gain access into several residential estates.
Adding that once inside, the gang target high-end vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs, and systematically vandalizing them and removing vital and expensive components including brainboxes, tapping glasses, wiring systems, side mirrors, and control devices.
“The suspect has confessed to the crime and he is assisting the police detectives in the further investigation of the case.
“Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang for investigation and prosecution. Recovered from the suspect were one Mercedes Benz car jack and a face cap with the inscription Special Force, which he used to disguise as a security operative.
“The Command hereby wishes to advise residents, particularly estate management and security guards, to exercise vigilance and utmost caution whenever person(s) represent themselves as operatives of any security agency and seeking to gain entrance into their estates.
“In addition to basic verification, residents are urged to collaborate closely with the Police by contacting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) covering their area to confirm the authenticity of any such security personnel before granting them access into their estates. Where there is any doubt, such persons should immediately be referred to the nearest police division” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has enjoined residents and estate management to remain vigilant, collaborate closely with their respective DPOs, and make use of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08063299264, 09053872208, 08087332678, for quick intervention.
