Mechanic remanded over alleged reckless driving

A Lugbe Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, has remanded a 38-year-old mechanic, Olamide Balogun, in prison over alleged reckless driving.

Balogun of Chika village, Airport Road, Abuja, is facing a three-count charge bordering on reckless driving, driving without a licence, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The prosecutor, Ukaoha Ndidi, told the court that on July 8, the defendant drove a Peugeot 307 car with registration No AG 55 KRA, belonging to one Mr Wokoma Ipalibo.

Ndidi said that Ipalibo gave the car to Balogun for repairs.

“But at about 9:00p.m., the accused took the car to a drinking joint without the owner’s consent.

“Balogun left the drinking joint at about 2:30 a.m., after drinking a lot of alcohol, he drove the car without a driver’s licence,’’ she said.

The prosecutor said the defendant drove the car along Chika to Lugbe Road in a dangerous and reckless manner.

“He eventually lost control and left his lane to the other lane. As a result of leaving his lane to the other lane, he crashed into a deep culvert and the car was seriously damaged,’’ Ndidi said.

She said during police investigation, the defendant confessed to the crime.

According to her, the offence contravened sections 30 (1) of 548, 33 Cap 548 and 7 (1) Cap 548 of the Road Traffic Act.

Balogun, however, pleaded guilty to the charge.

The judge, Mr Abdullahi Garba, ordered that the accused be remanded in Kuje Prison until July 24, for sentencing. (NAN)