Police arraign mechanic over alleged theft of car exhaust

The Police on Monday arraigned a 32-year old mechanic, Abubakar Sadiq, before a Makurdi Upper Area Court, for alleged theft of a Toyota Corolla car exhaust valued at N850,000.

The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of criminal breach of trust, mischief and theft.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Veronica Shaagee, told the Court that the complainant, Sam Ode, who resides  at No 7, Ikpeakaa Str., Judges Quarters, Makurdi, had on March 3, reported the case at the Area Command, Police Headquarters in Makurdi.

Shaagee  alleged that the complainant had sometime in November, 2021,  entrusted the sum of N1.2 million to the defendant, being his car mechanic, to buy a new gear box for his Toyota corolla car.

She told the court that the defendant rather than comply with the agreement entered into with the complainant, converted the sum to his personal use, damaged the car exhaust, and stole the Catalytic Converter valued at N850,000.

According to Shaagee, the Catalyst Converter, popularly called “car Indomie” helps to reduce fuel consumption and the percentage of harmful carbon emission.

The Prosecutor told the court that the offence contravened Sections 313, 327 and 287 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs Dooshima Ikpambese, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in the like sum.

She then adjourned the case until April 12  for mention.