Panel Beater Charged: Catalytic Converter Theft Worth N950,000

Court Case: Panel Beater Accused of Stealing Customer’s Catalytic Converter

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, 50-year-old panel beater Kazeem Tunde appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, accused of stealing a customer’s Toyota Hiace bus catalytic converter valued at ₦950,000. The incident underscores a growing concern over the theft of catalytic converters in Nigeria.

Tunde who resides in the Obawole area, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, is standing trial for stealing, conspiracy and causing a breach of the peace. The prosecutor, ASP Matthew Akhaluode, told the court that the offences were committed on January 12 at 2, Adeyeri Street, Ogba, Lagos.

Akhaluode said that the defendant and one other, now at large, stole the bus catalyst belonging to his customer, one Mr Kabir Akingbolu. The prosecutor added that the bus had a fault and Akingbolu took it to Kazeem for repairs. It was later discovered that the catalyst wasn’t on the car and he, Kazeem, could not explain the whereabouts of the bus’s catalytic converter.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene Sections 168, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

When the charges were read to him, Kazeem pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate, Mrs M. F. Onamusi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till February 17 for mention.

Catalytic converters are essential components of a vehicle’s exhaust system, designed to reduce harmful emissions. Their composition includes valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making them targets for theft.

In Nigeria, there has been a notable increase in such thefts, often involving mechanics, panel beaters, and car dealers. These individuals sometimes remove the converters without the owner’s knowledge, selling them for significant profits.

The removal of a catalytic converter can lead to increased fuel consumption, louder exhaust noise, and higher emissions of harmful gases. Replacing a stolen converter can be costly, with prices ranging from ₦40,000 to over ₦100,000, depending on the vehicle model and the type of converter.

To mitigate the risk of such thefts, vehicle owners are advised to:

• Choose Mechanics Wisely: Seek recommendations from trusted sources to find reputable mechanics.
• Stay Informed: Understand the basic functions of your vehicle and be alert to changes in performance or fuel consumption.
• Use Diagnostic Tools: Invest in diagnostic tools to monitor the health of your vehicle’s components.