The Lagos State Police Command said it has arrested Jude Onouha, aged 46, identified as the suspected leader of a “vicious and notorious” criminal gang accused of disguising as security operatives in fake security outfit uniforms to hijack luxury vehicles from unsuspecting victims.
In a statement issued by DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command revealed that the suspect employed a Mercedes car jack modified to look like firearms to gain entry into estates across Lagos.
**“The suspect and his gang specialized 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.
“Under the false pretense of conducting security investigations, they gained access to 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 kingpin arrested corroborated the crime, and he is assisting the police detectives in the further investigation of the case,”** the statement read.
The Command added that efforts were underway to track down other members of the syndicate. Items recovered from Onouha included a Mercedes-Benz car jack and a face cap branded Special Force, which he allegedly used as part of his disguise.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and their accomplices. 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 Command urged estate managers and residents to cross-check the identities of supposed operatives with their Divisional Police Officer (DPO) before granting entry.
“Where there is any doubt, such persons should immediately be referred to the nearest police division.”
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh advised Lagos residents to remain watchful and work closely with their DPOs. He also encouraged the use of the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08063299264, 09053872208, 08087332678, stressing that vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting were key to enhancing safety across Lagos communities.