I heard the conversation between the aircraft and ATC concerning this incident on the news today. (apparently recorded by that well known ATC internet site) The pilot sounded like he was trying not to seem overly amused by the situation, but without much success! In his position I would have difficulty suppressing my laughter.
Outright sabotage? I doubt it even if such things did happen in the past. But post 9/11? Gitmo anyone? I used to do "outsourced mx" for an airline in one of my previous jobs. Our work was superior to the airline's own work by a wide margin. No. it's just as likely to be just another mx screwup in the fast paced low cost world of the modern airline biz where Kost is King! (spelling deliberate!)