The Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting at Ijebu Imusin, in Ijebu East Local Government Area, has sentenced a 27-year-old mechanic, Abiodun Ajao, to six years imprisonment. Ajao faced three charges: stealing, conversion, and malicious damage of a customer’s Honda Accord (EOD) vehicle.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Ajao, who pleaded guilty to all charges, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for each offense, which are to run consecutively, totaling six years. The charges contravened Sections 390 (stealing), 434 (conversion), and 451 (malicious damage) of the Ogun State Criminal Code Laws.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dyke Ogbonnaya, disclosed the court’s decision in a statement on Monday.

Background of the Case

Ajao, a mechanic based in Lagos, was arrested by NSCDC operatives last Friday after allegedly stealing and dismantling a customer’s vehicle. The car, initially brought to him for repairs, was driven by Ajao from Lagos to Idona in Ijebu Imusin, Ogun State, where he began dismembering it for sale.

Ogbonnaya explained, “The suspect intentionally drove the vehicle from Lagos to Idona, Ijebu Imusin, Ogun State, and had already started dismembering it for sale to intending buyers before he was arrested.”

Mechanic’s Claims and Confession

When questioned, Ajao initially claimed that the vehicle’s engine was damaged and unusable, justifying his actions as an attempt to sell the parts. However, further investigation revealed that the car was entrusted to him for repairs.

He later admitted to using the car to transport passengers across various parts of Lagos before bringing it to Ijebu Imusin. He confessed to dismantling the car’s engine and other parts for sale.

“I was test-driving the car to check the suitability of the work done on it before handing it over to the buyer,” Ajao reportedly told NSCDC officers.

NSCDC Investigation and Arrest

Following Ajao’s arrest, the NSCDC State Commandant, Remilekun Ekundayo, ordered a full-scale investigation. Ogbonnaya highlighted the swift action of the Ijebu East Central Division, Esure, which led to Ajao’s apprehension before further damage could be done to the vehicle.

Community Reaction

The case has drawn attention to the importance of trust and accountability in service professions. The sentencing serves as a warning against criminal behavior in the guise of professional services.

Conclusion

Ajao’s conviction underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and deterring similar crimes. The NSCDC has also reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding citizens’ property and ensuring swift action against offenders.

Ajao faced three charges: stealing, conversion, and malicious damage of a customer’s Honda Accord (EOD) vehicle.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Ajao, who pleaded guilty to all charges, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for each offense, which are to run consecutively, totaling six years. The charges contravened Sections 390 (stealing), 434 (conversion), and 451 (malicious damage) of the Ogun State Criminal Code Laws.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dyke Ogbonnaya, disclosed the court’s decision in a statement on Monday.

Background of the Case

Ajao, a mechanic based in Lagos, was arrested by NSCDC operatives last Friday after allegedly stealing and dismantling a customer’s vehicle. The car, initially brought to him for repairs, was driven by Ajao from Lagos to Idona in Ijebu Imusin, Ogun State, where he began dismembering it for sale.

Ogbonnaya explained, “The suspect intentionally drove the vehicle from Lagos to Idona, Ijebu Imusin, Ogun State, and had already started dismembering it for sale to intending buyers before he was arrested.”

Mechanic’s Claims and Confession

When questioned, Ajao initially claimed that the vehicle’s engine was damaged and unusable, justifying his actions as an attempt to sell the parts. However, further investigation revealed that the car was entrusted to him for repairs.

He later admitted to using the car to transport passengers across various parts of Lagos before bringing it to Ijebu Imusin. He confessed to dismantling the car’s engine and other parts for sale.

“I was test-driving the car to check the suitability of the work done on it before handing it over to the buyer,” Ajao reportedly told NSCDC officers.

NSCDC Investigation and Arrest

Following Ajao’s arrest, the NSCDC State Commandant, Remilekun Ekundayo, ordered a full-scale investigation. Ogbonnaya highlighted the swift action of the Ijebu East Central Division, Esure, which led to Ajao’s apprehension before further damage could be done to the vehicle.

Community Reaction

The case has drawn attention to the importance of trust and accountability in service professions. The sentencing serves as a warning against criminal behavior in the guise of professional services.

Conclusion

Ajao’s conviction underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and deterring similar crimes. The NSCDC has also reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding citizens’ property and ensuring swift action against offenders.