The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Jude Onouha, a 46-year-old man, who is alleged to be the leader of a syndicate that specialises in posing as security operatives to gain entry into Lagos estates to steal expensive, vital components of high-end cars.
Babaseyi Oluseyi, the deputy spokesperson for the police in Lagos, in a statement on Saturday, said the gang gained access under the pretext of carrying out security checks, they wore fake uniforms and used a modified Mercedes-Benz car jack made to look like a firearm to trick estate guards.
“Under the false pretence of conducting security investigations, they gained access into several residential estates. Once inside, the gang targeted high-end vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs, systematically vandalising them and removing vital and expensive components including brainboxes, tapping glasses, wiring systems, side mirrors, and control devices.
“The kingpin arrested corroborated the crime and he is assisting the police detectives in the further investigation of the case,” Mr Oluseyi stated.
The statement listed recovered items included one Mercedes Benz car jack and a face cap with the inscription Special Force, which the suspect allegedly used to disguise as a security operative.
Olohundare Jimoh, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, described the arrest as a major breakthrough.
“The suspect has corroborated his involvement in the crimes and is assisting detectives with investigations. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing members of the gang,” Mr Jimoh said.
The police command said investigations are ongoing and promised that all members of the syndicate would be brought to justice and urged estate managers and residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a security operative before granting access
