How we remove vital parts from exotic cars – Suspected vandal

A 46-year-old suspected car vandal kingpin, Jude Onuoja, has narrated how he and other members of his gang disguise themselves as security personnel to break into exotic cars and remove vital parts for sale. The suspect, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a string of exotic car vandalism incidents that have plagued the city’s […]

A 46-year-old suspected car vandal kingpin, Jude Onuoja, has narrated how he and other members of his gang disguise themselves as security personnel to break into exotic cars and remove vital parts for sale.

The suspect, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a string of exotic car vandalism incidents that have plagued the city’s high-brow neighborhoods, recounted to a team of police detectives how they operate with a specially designed vehicle jack.

“Our target is usually residents of posh estates in high-brow areas. We dress as security men to deceive guards attached to the estates. We tell them that we are in their estate for special investigations.

“When we gain access into the estate, we target garages where exotic vehicles are parked. We remove vital vehicle parts, such as a brain box, touch-screen car stereos, and controls for doors and windows, among others. These items are small but very expensive in the market,” he admitted to a team of police investigators.

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The police said the 46-year-old suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following a tip-off from a reliable source.

According to the police, the suspect had been disguising himself as a security guard to gain access to properties where the exotic cars were parked. Once inside, he would vandalize the vehicles, making off with valuable parts and accessories.

Deputy Spokesman for the Command, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, in a statement on Saturday, described Jude as the leader of a vicious and notorious criminal syndicate that specializes in disguising as security operatives in fake uniforms and using a Mercedes car jack modified to look like a firearm to gain access into estates within the Lagos metropolis.

He said the suspect and his gang members, acting under the false pretense of conducting security investigations, gained access to several residential estates.

He added that once inside, the gang would target high-end vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs, and systematically vandalize them, removing vital and expensive components, including brainboxes, tapping glasses, wiring systems, side mirrors, and control devices.

He said, “The suspect has confessed to the crime and is assisting the police detectives in the further investigation of the case.

“Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang for investigation and prosecution. 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.’’