Abiodun Sikiru, a 52-year-old mechanic, was today, (Thursday) dragged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate Ciurt in Lagos for allegedly absconding with his customer’s car valued at N2.8million.
Sikiru, who lives at No. 63 Akinwale St., Igando in Lagos, is facing a four-count charge bordering on breach of peace, stealing and false pretenses.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.
According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Unah, the accused stole the Ford Focus car with Reg No. AX709KUJ, valued at N2. 8million, property of one Mr Jimie Enobong.
Unah said that the accused committed the offence sometimes in February 2016 at No. 237 Ikorodu Road, Ilupeju,Lagos.
He added that the accused unlawfully obtained N70,000 from the complainant on the pretext of using the money to fix the gear box of the car,which he knew to be false.
He said that Sikiru conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by driving away the said car to an unknown destination without the consent of Enobong .
The prosecutor said that the accused collected the car from the complainant for repair s two years ago, did not repair the car or refund the money for its repair.
He said all efforts made to retrieve the car from him proved abortive.
The offences contravened Sections 168, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 prescribes a 15-year jail term for false pretenses, while Section 287 stipulates seven years for stealing.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr A. A. Fashola granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Fashola said the sureties must be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified by the court.
He added that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case until Feb. 6 for hearing.
