A 28-year-old auto mechanic, Sheriff Mudashiru, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing his customer’s silencer catalyst valued at N370,000.

A silencer catalyst otherwise known as catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.

Mudashiru, whose residential address was not provided, was charged with stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the Police Prosecutor Insp. Kenrich Nomayo, the defendant allegedly stole the silencer catalyst of a London-used car worth N370,000, property of one Mr Kolawole Akosile.

Nomayo told the court that the defendant committed the offences from August 21 to October 24 at No.22 New Town Road, Maple Word Estate in Agege, Lagos.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant obtained N238,000 from the complainant with an assurance of repairing the gear box of the car, a representation he knew to be false.

Magistrate Elizabeth Adeola admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Adeola ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and have evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences violate Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The magistrate adjourned the case until December 15 for mention.

NAN