Lagos Police smash gang of car vandals, recover exhibits
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested members of a syndicate allegedly behind car vandalism in highbrow estates across the state. Three suspects—Obinna Okeke, 28, Emmanuel Anyanwu, 38, and Joshua
- By Precious Igbonwelundu
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested members of a syndicate allegedly behind car vandalism in highbrow estates across the state.
Three suspects—Obinna Okeke, 28, Emmanuel Anyanwu, 38, and Joshua Nkemdirim, 31—were arrested in the early hours of yesterday at a popular estate in Lekki. They allegedly pretended to be security operatives to gain access before vandalizing vehicles parked by sleeping residents.
The Nation gathered that eight other members of the syndicate were arrested last year and charged in court after police investigated public outcry about suspected armed robbers removing brain boxes and other expensive auto parts from vehicles parked in gated estates.
Briefing reporters at the command headquarters on Wednesday, the police boss said findings revealed the suspects usually armed themselves with a Mercedes Jack, which they fabricated to look like a rifle, adding that when they hit a spanner on it, it would sound as though someone was cocking a gun.
Jimoh said they were arrested around 4 a.m. and were usually disguised in fake security outfits.
"This gang has used this guise to enter into some estates and vandalized Toyota brand vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs.
"They concentrate on the removal of brainboxes, wiring, side mirrors, tapping glasses, control devices, and other expensive car components," he said.
The suspects arrested corroborated the crime and are assisting the police detectives in the further investigation of the case, he said, adding that efforts have been intensified to arrest other members of the gang for investigation and prosecution.
The police boss said during the interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a criminal syndicate that specialized in vandalizing vehicles within Lagos state and its environs.
He warned estate managers and guards against opening their gates to people who claim to be security operatives at odd hours without due diligence.
"First, conduct your verification. Ask for identification. In addition to basic verification, residents are urged to collaborate closely with the Police by contacting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) covering their area to confirm the authenticity of any such security personnel before granting them access into their estates.
"Where there is any doubt, such persons should immediately be referred to the nearest police division.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, enjoins residents and estate management to remain vigilant, collaborate closely with their respective DPOs, and make use of the command’s emergency numbers:
07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, and 08039344870 for quick intervention.
"He assures that together, through vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting, the safety and security of all communities in Lagos State will be strengthened."
