The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected criminal kingpin, Jude Onouha, 46, alleged to be the leader of a notorious gang that vandalised luxury vehicles in residential estates across the state.
In a statement on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babasẹyi Oluseyi, said Onouha and his gang disguised as security operatives by wearing fake uniforms and carrying a modified Mercedes-Benz car jack made to resemble a firearm, which enabled them to deceive estate security guards and gain access to highbrow communities.
Once inside, the suspects reportedly targeted vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, and Mercedes-Benz SUVs, removing valuable components including brain boxes, wiring systems, side mirrors, tapping glasses, and other electronic control devices.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, described the arrest as a breakthrough in the Command’s crackdown on vehicle vandals.
“Our detectives arrested the gang leader, Jude Onouha, who has already confessed to the crime and is assisting with ongoing investigations,” Jimoh said.
“Recovered from him were a Mercedes-Benz car jack, which he had crafted into a weapon-like device, and a face cap bearing the inscription ‘Special Force,’ used to deceive unsuspecting residents.”
He added that efforts are underway to track other members of the gang, while urging estate managers and security guards to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a security operative.
“Residents must exercise caution whenever individuals present themselves as security personnel. We encourage collaboration with the police by contacting the Divisional Police Officer in their area to confirm authenticity before granting access. Where there is doubt, such persons should immediately be referred to the nearest police division,” he advised.
The Command also released emergency contact numbers — 08063299264, 09053872208, and 08087332678 — for residents to report suspicious activity.
