Lagos Mechanic in Court for N14.2m Stolen Vehicle

A 40-year-old auto mechanic, Monsuru Bashiru, was on Friday charged with receiving stolen vehicles valued at N14.2 million at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Bashiru is facing a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy and receiving of stolen items.

The accused, who resides at airport area of Abuja, denied the charges.

But the prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadione, insisted that the accused committed the offences between February and July 2012 at 10.00 p.m. at Obalende, Ikeja, Oshodi and Mushin areas of Lagos.

Uwadione told the court that Bashiru with others still at large received the following stolen vehicles -- a Toyota Camry car marked HX 942 ABC, a Toyota Sienna space wagon with registration no. BV 132 GWA and a Honda Accord saloon car.

Others, he said, included a Toyota Highlander Jeep, a Toyota Sienna, a Toyota Hilux van, a Mazda saloon car and a Lexus Jeep,all valued at N14.2 million.

Uwadione said the stolen vehicles were received from one Odunayo Francis.

He said the offences contravened Sections 326 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Miss A.O. Akinde, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused, if found guilty, may be sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.

The case has been adjourned to Nov. 12 for mention. (NAN)