Mechanic docked over alleged theft of car's 'brain box'

A 30- year-old mechanic, Adebola Aderanti, on Friday appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates' Court in Ondo State charged with stealing motor spare parts valued N200,000. The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a two-count charge of felony and stealing. The Prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on Oct. 21 at 1.30 a.m. at a mechanic workshop at Okitipupa-Ikoya road.

He said that the defendant stole the brain box of a Toyota Camry car belonging to the one of his customers, Mr Adeola Adekunle, parked in his workshop for repairs. Orogbemi said that the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State 2006. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Chris Ojuola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sums. He directed that the sureties, who must be resident within the court's jurisdiction, should also present evidence of two years tax payment made to the state government as part of the bail conditions. He adjourned the case until Dec.10 for further hearing.