Police nab suspected leader of vehicle vandals in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man, Jude Onouha, alleged to be the ringleader of a syndicate that specialises in vandalising exotic vehicles in residential estates across the state.

Police spokesman, Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said yesterday that the gang usually disguised as security operatives to gain entry into estates.

According to him, the suspects wore fake uniforms and used a Mercedes-Benz car jack modified to look like a firearm to deceive estate security personnel.

“Once inside, the gang targeted high-end vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs. They vandalised the vehicles and stole vital components like brainboxes, wiring systems, side mirrors, and control devices,” Oluseyi said.

Items recovered from Onouha include the modified car jack and a face cap with the inscription Special Force.

The suspect is assisting detectives with investigation, while efforts are underway to track other fleeing members of the gang.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, urged residents and estate managers to be cautious when dealing with people claiming to be security operatives.

“The Command advises residents to always verify the identity of anyone presenting themselves as operatives before granting access into estates. Where in doubt, they should alert the nearest police division immediately,” Jimoh said.

He assured Lagosians that vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting would help strengthen the security of communities across the state.