By Teniola Ibitola
Lagos – A 28-year-old auto mechanic, Ugochukwu Nwabike, on Tuesday appeared in an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly knocking the engine of a truck brought to him for repair.
The defendant charged with willful damage, conspiracy, and stealing was also alleged to have stolen the tyres of the truck.
Nwabike, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Prosecutor, Insp. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometimes in February, at Second Rainbow, Mile2/Badagry Expressway.
Olatunde said that the defendant poured engine oil into the engine of the truck, but forgot to close the stopper, making the oil to leak out of the engine.
He said the damaged engine of the truck with registration number KRP 124 XN, belonging to Mr Peter Ugwala, was valued at N1.5 million.
The prosecutor alleged that the defendant also stole three tyres from the truck valued at N350,000.
He said the offences contravene Sections 287, 350 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mr T. Agbona granted the defendant bail in the sum of N150,000 with two sureties in like sum who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.
He fixed Oct. 9 for mention of the case.
(NAN)