10-year-old car vandalism gang busted in Lagos

Lagos police have dismantled a vehicle vandalism syndicate that operated for a decade, arresting two key members. Uba Chigozie, 46, and Onyeka Emordi, 37, were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

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My name is Chigozie Uba. I am 46 years old and I am from Anambra State. I was arrested and brought here by policemen from the Anti-Kidnapping Section of the Lagos State Police Command because my members and I were vandalising people’s vehicles.

The suspects allegedly targeted Toyota Corolla, Sienna, and Hilux models, often stealing valuable parts like brain boxes and air-conditioning vents within 10 minutes. Police sources indicated that the gang could earn as much as N100,000 from a single operation. They reportedly used a modified car jack to resemble a firearm to intimidate victims.

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I was in a hotel in Ijesha when the policemen came and arrested me. I was surprised because I didn’t know what happened, but when they told me that it was because of what my members and I were doing, I protested.

Chigozie, a former spare parts dealer, confessed to participating in vandalism for 10 years. He attributed his involvement to financial hardship following the demolition of his shop at the Papa Ajao Spare Parts Market. He stated that the gang leader, Oba, introduced him to vandalism after he expressed his difficulties.

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I didn’t know that they had arrested one of our gang members, Emeka, aka Rashidi. When I got here and discovered that they already had one of us with them, I had no other option than to cooperate with them.

Chigozie detailed how he met Oba at the Ladipo Spare Parts Market after his shop was demolished. Oba, who used to buy parts from Chigozie, offered him an opportunity in vandalism when he learned of his financial struggles. The gang sold stolen parts to buyers, with earnings varying based on the parts removed.

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I joined the gang after my spare parts shop was demolished by the government at the Papa Ajao Auto Spare Parts Market. Life was difficult for me. I was in the village when our shops were demolished.