Mechanic docked for allegedly damaging customer’s vehicle

Ifeanyi Okoye, 45, was docked in an Upper Area Court in Kubwa, Abuja, on Tuesday for allegedly damaging his customer’s car.

Okoye, who lives in Suleja, Niger state, was charged with theft and mischief by the police.

Mr Chinedu Ogada, the Prosecution Counsel, told the court that the complainant, Victor Ezinwa, reported the matter on January 21 at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Dawaki, Abuja.

Ogada claimed that on October 2, 2022, the complainant gave his car to the defendant for repairs, paid him N40,000 in workmanship, and entrusted him with spare parts worth N386,000.

He claimed that when the complainant went to pick up the car from the defendant, he discovered that he had failed to complete the task.

In addition, the prosecutor claimed that the defendant harmed the vehicle chamber, compressor, and brain box.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 287 and 327 of the Penal Code.

Section 327 stipulates imprisonment for a term which might extend to two years or with fine or with both for whoever commits mischief.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence counsel, Geraldine Amah applied for his bail pursuant to Section 36 subsection 5 of the 1999 constitution.

He urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously in favour of his client.

The Judge, Mr Gambo Garba, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

Garba said the surety must provide passport photographs and means of identification.

He adjourned the case until April 3 for hearing. (NAN)