Detectives of Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 46-year old man, Jude Onouha, alleged of being the kingpin and gang leader of a criminal syndicate that specialises in disguising as security operatives.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the gang leader was using fake security outfit uniform and using a Mercedes car jack modified to look like firearms to gain access into estates within Lagos metropolis.
The Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, who confirmed the arrest, said that the suspect and his gang specialized in disguising themselves as security operatives, wearing fake uniforms and using the modified Mercedes-Benz car jack, crafted to resemble a firearm, to deceive unsuspecting 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,” DSP Oluseyi disclosed.
Recovered from the suspect were one Mercedes Benz car jack and a face cap with the inscription Special Force, which he used to disguise as a security operative.
The deputy spokesperson said that the suspect had confessed to the crime and is assisting the police detectives in the further investigation of the case.
He stated further that efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the gang and their accomplices for investigation and prosecution.
The Command advised residents, particularly estate management and security guards, to be vigilant and cautious whenever some people present themselves as operatives of any security agency and seek to gain entrance into their estates.
In addition to basic verification, residents were urged to collaborate closely with the Police by contacting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) covering their area to confirm the authenticity of such security personnel before granting them access into their estates.
The Command enjoined the residents to take such persons to the nearest police station whenever they are in doubt of such persons.
In his comment, the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, also urged residents and estate management to remain vigilant, collaborate closely with their respective DPOs, and make use of the Command’s emergency numbers 08063299264, 09053872208, and 08087332678 for quick intervention.
He assured of strengthening the safety and security of all communities in Lagos in collaboration with the residents through vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting.
