Lagos------------ A 50-year-old auto mechanic, Nkem Vitalis, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate Court over alleged stealing of a Volkswagen bus valued at N800,000.

Vitalis, of No. 20 Anglican Street, off Agbado-Oja in Ogun, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, ASP Akeem Raji, told the court that the defendant committed the offences, with others still at large, on September 19 at Balogun Street, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Raji said that the defendant stole a Volkswagen LT bus, property of the complainant, Mr Chidi Eze, from where it was parked.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 411 attracts two years jail term for conspiracy.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O. I. Adelaja, granted the defendant N200, 000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum.

The sureties must be gainfully employed, with evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State government.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case till December 15, for mention.