The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 46-year-old Jude Onouha who is said to be the leader of a notorious criminal syndicate impersonating security operatives to gain unlawful access into residential estates to vandalise high-end vehicles.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi told newsmen that Onouha and his gang wore counterfeit security uniforms and employed a modified Mercedes-Benz car jack, crafted to resemble a firearm, to deceive estate security personnel.
“Under the false pretense 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 acting police spokesperson said.
Police said the suspect has admitted to the crimes and was currently cooperating with police investigators to assist with further inquiries.
Among the items recovered from him were the modified Mercedes car jack and a cap bearing the inscription ‘Special Force,’ which he used to impersonate a security official.
Police were intensifying efforts to arrest additional members of the gang and their accomplices to bring them to justice.
The Command urged estate management and security personnel to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to be security operatives.
Residents were also advised to verify such individuals by contacting their local Divisional Police Officer (DPO) before granting access.
Oluseyi emphasised, “Where there is any doubt about the authenticity of persons presenting themselves as security agents, residents should immediately report them to the nearest police station.”
