An Abuja-based housewife, Mrs. Alex Gift, has told a magistrates’ court in Kubwa that a 30-year-old mechanic, Matthew Sunday, allegedly removed vital parts from her car worth N1.5 million and later blocked her phone number.
Gift, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, John Okpa, recounted how she took her vehicle to the defendant’s workshop after noticing an unusual noise while driving.
“The defendant assured me he could fix the issue. I even asked if I should take my battery along since I was leaving the car with him, but he insisted the area was safe,” she told the court.
She stated that Sunday initially charged her N55,000 for repairs but later claimed the amount was insufficient and demanded an additional N90,000. “I managed to give him N85,000,” she added.
However, after several failed promises to return the vehicle, Sunday allegedly informed her two months later that his workshop had been burgled and her car engine stolen.
Suspicious of the claim, Gift had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, where she discovered that multiple components—including the alternator, kick starter, belt tensioner, compressor, and engine—were missing, all valued at N1.54 million.
Following her report at the Dutse Alhaji police station, the defendant reportedly admitted to the police that he would pay N650,000 to replace the missing parts.
The police subsequently charged Sunday with criminal breach of trust and mischief.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Nneaka Lesley adjourned the hearing until April 9 for further proceedings.
