Fake Car Buyer Jailed For N1.7m Test Drive Theft In Abuja

A 34-year-old driver, Ridioam Rasheed, has been remanded in a correctional facility by the Dei-Dei Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday, for allegedly stealing a car through deception.

The accused, a native of Ogun State, was charged by the police for criminal breach of trust and theft.

Judge Saminu Suleiman ordered Rasheed’s remand in the Suleja correctional service facility until January 5, 2024, for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor Mr Chinedu Ogada explained that the complainant, Kenneth Eze, from Niger, reported the incident at Zuba Police Station on October 6. Ogada detailed how the defendant visited the Zuba spare parts market, posing as a potential buyer for a blue-coloured Ford Focus saloon car worth N1.7 million.

Under the guise of test-driving the vehicle, Rasheed obtained the car key from the owner, after which he absconded with the vehicle to Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, without the owner’s consent.

Police investigations led to the recovery of the stolen car from the defendant in Ibadan, where it was secured at the police headquarters in Eleyele. Ogada noted that Rasheed confessed to the crime during the investigation.

The accused faces charges under Sections 312 and 287 of the Penal Code for his actions, which contravene legal provisions.

NAN