Driver faces remand over alleged car theft

In a recent development, a 34-year-old driver, Ridioam Rasheed, has been remanded by the Dei-Dei Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja over allegations of car theft. The police have charged Rasheed, a native of Ogun, with criminal breach of trust and theft.

After pleading guilty to the charges, the Judge, Saminu Suleiman, ordered that the defendant be remanded in the correctional facility at Suleja until January 5, 2024, when his sentence will be determined.

The case was brought to light when the complainant, Kenneth Eze, residing in Niger, reported the matter at the Zuba Police Station on October 6. Eze alleged that on the same date, the defendant visited the Zuba spare parts market and feigned interest in purchasing a car valued at N1.7 million.

According to the Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Chinedu Ogada, the defendant cunningly obtained the car key from the complainant, claiming to test the vehicle, and subsequently absconded to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The prosecutor further stated that the defendant fled with the car without the owner’s consent. During the police investigation, Rasheed reportedly made a confessional statement. The stolen car was later recovered in Ibadan and secured at the police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The charges against Rasheed fall under Sections 312 and 287 of the Penal Code, as highlighted by the prosecutor. The legal proceedings will continue, with the defendant awaiting sentencing on January 5, 2024.