A Nigerian construction worker yesterday denied stealing about €200 from a shop owner he knew and even had his mobile phone number.

Michael Oluwafemi Tewogbola, 33, pleaded not guilty to theft from Golden Harvest in Gżira last Tuesday at about 9.30 a.m.

He also denied slightly injuring Adam Cuschieri and relapsing.

When the accused was giving his particulars, he said that he was employed but had told the police that he needed legal assistance because he could not afford a lawyer.

Hearing this, legal aid lawyer Noel Bartolo pointed out that he was unable to represent the accused further because the accused had abused the legal aid system.

Dr Bartolo asked the court to verify whether the accused was able or not to afford to pay for his own lawyer.

The request was upheld.

Police Inspector Jason Sultana pointed out that the accused knew the victim well because he used to buy from the shop and even had his mobile phone number. He said that victim had received threats over the phone.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli remanded the accused in custody after taking into consideration the circumstances of the case.