Car brain box thieves nabbed in Enugu

Three persons, who specialize in stealing the ‘brain box’ of vehicles, have been nabbed by the police in Enugu.
Car brain boxes are electronic devices that monitor and control various functions in a vehicle, including cruise control, automatic gear shifting, climate control, engine running, fuel injection / emission control, collision avoidance, powered mirror, seat and rear mirror controls, among others.
It was gathered that the suspects, Godwin Okafor, from Ukpo in Nnewi, Anambra State, Dikebuenyi Chinedu, of Uli, in Ihiala, Anambra State, and OnajiteEkejite, of Sapele in Delta State, were members of a syndicate that specialised in selling stolen brain boxes.
It was also learnt that Chinedu, who was based in Enugu, invited the other suspects – Okafor and Ekejite – from Lagos to participate in operations in the Coal City.
Our correspondent gathered that the gang had vandalized several vehicles, and stolen the black boxes, in parts of Enugu metropolis before they were caught in the act by men of the police anti-kidnap unit.
Police spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the development, said the hoodlums were caught while attempting to remove the brain box of a vehicle belonging to a private school in the GRA area of Enugu.
Amaraizu explained that the suspects first robbed the occupants of the house where the vehicle was parked before moving to dismantle the brain box.
However, unfortunately for them, they were arrested by a team of the anti-kidnap unit, who were alerted by the victims.
Upon arrest, Ekejite revealed that they were engaged in the ‘business’ of stolen vehicle brain boxes in Lagos before taking their operations to Enugu.
Ekejite admitted that the ‘brain box’ business was a lucrative one.
He also revealed that Chinedu, who was a member of their gang in Lagos before relocating, invited him and Okafor to Enugu.
It was also gathered that the suspects stole about N300, 000 from the occupants of the building where the vehicle was parked, before they were caught while trying to make away with the brain box.
Ekejite, who claimed that the gang operates with iron bars, and no guns, said he regretted venturing into crime.
Amaraizu said the suspects are helping the police in further investigations into their activities.