Police capture kingpin behind exotic vehicle vandalism in Lagos

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a notorious criminal syndicate specialising in vandalising high-end vehicles within residential estates across the metropolis, with the arrest of its 46-year-old leader, Jude Onouha.

According to the Command, Onouha, described as the kingpin and principal suspect, was apprehended by detectives after years of leading a gang that disguised themselves as security personnel in fake uniforms to infiltrate estates and vandalise exotic vehicles.

“The suspect and his gang specialised 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,” said Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babasuyi Oluseyi, in a statement issued on Saturday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.

Once inside estates, the gang would reportedly target luxury SUVs such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, stripping them of vital components including brainboxes, tapping glasses, wiring systems, side mirrors, and electronic control devices.

Recovered items from Onouha included the Mercedes-Benz car jack, modified to look like a gun, and a face cap boldly inscribed “Special Force,” which the gang leader used to pose as an operative.

The Police confirmed that the arrested kingpin has already confessed to the crimes and is assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the syndicate.

“Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang for investigation and prosecution,” Oluseyi added.

The Command, however, used the breakthrough to caution Lagos residents, particularly estate managers and security guards, to be wary of impostors seeking access to gated communities under the guise of conducting security operations.

“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 seek to gain entrance into their estates,” the statement read.

Residents were urged to liaise with their Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) for verification before granting access to supposed operatives.

“Where there is any doubt, such persons should immediately be referred to the nearest police division,” the Police Command advised.

Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh, reassured Lagosians of the police’s commitment to public safety, calling for stronger community-police collaboration.

“He enjoins 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,” the statement noted.

The CP further assured: “Together, through vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting, the safety and security of all communities in Lagos State will be strengthened.”