Anas Bala, a 30-year-old mechanic, was charged on Thursday with stealing vehicle parts kept in his workshop for repair.
Bala was charged before a Kado Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja.
However, the resident of Angwar Sarki, Kado Kuchi, Abuja, pleaded not guilty to criminal breach of trust and theft charges.
Mr Stanley Nwafoaku, the prosecutor, stated that the complainant, Mr Innocent Njik of Dawaki, Abuja, reported the case at the Mabusi Police Station on March 20 at 9.00 a.m.
Nwafoaku claimed that the complainant took his vehicle, a Toyota Avalon with the registration number KJA 949 EL, to the defendant’s workshop for repairs on February 6.
He alleged that the defendant stole various parts of the vehicle including three tyres, key starter, radiator, compressor, condenser, shiner, battery, gear box and alternator.
The prosecutor said that during a police investigation, Bala admitted the theft and returned three tyres, key starter and the car key, but denied stealing the other items which were valued at N530, 000.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 287 of the Penal Code.
The Judge, Mr Muhammed Wakili, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300, 000 and one surety in like sum.
Wakili ordered that the surety must provide a valid identification card, which must be verified by the court’s registrar.
He adjourned the case until April 25 for hearing.
