fbpx
Connect with us

News

Alleged Arson: Court refuses to dismiss charge against Lebanese national, 1 other

Published

on

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, has rejected an application seeking to withdraw charges against a Lebanese national,Maged Ali-Taan and his employee Mustapha Tiamiyu, over alleged arson.

Taan who is the Managing Director of Alibert Products Nigeria Limited and his employee Tiamiyu, are charged by the Inspector General of Police on three-count bordering on conspiracy, arson and attempt to temper with electric transformer.

It will be recalled that the court on Dec.6, 2023 issued a warrant of arrest on the defendants for failure to appear before the court to answer their plea.

When the case came up for arraignment, the Prosecution Counsel, Head of Legal Department Kano State Police Command, Sunday Ekwe, made an application seeking to withdraw the charges against the defendants.

“Mylord a directive was sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Kano Command from Abuja in charge of Criminal Investigation Department on “Request for termination of charge” for further investigation.

“We graciously and passionately ask this court to grant our application pursuant to section 108(1)(2)(b) of Administration of Criminal Justice 2015”

The defense counsel, Barr. Hussaini Saifullahi, did not oppose the application.

Responding, Counsel to the complainant, Barr. Okechukwu Eze, opposed the application, adding that it is a federal offense.

“Section 174 of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution, says a Prosecutor have no right to withdraw charges against a defendant.

“section 107 and 108 of the ACJL gives the Attorney General of the Federation power to withdraw any case.

“Mylord i am aware that the defendants were arrested and we don’t know why they were not brought to court”

In a ruling delivered shortly after hearing of the application, Justice Muhammad Nasir-Yunusa, struck out the application for lacking merit.

“Neither the Prosecution Counsel or Deputy Commissioner are competent to make this application, it is only the Attorney General that can apply withdrawal of proceedings at any stage”

He ordered that the defendants be brought to court on Feb.12, for arraignment.

The defendants on Dec.20, 2021 were alleged to have conspired willfully and maliciously set fire on a building at no 5c Murtala Muhammed Way Kano which he occupied as a tenant and used same as show room.

“In the process Taan made a fraudulent insurance claim on the said building.

“The defendants also allegedly attempted to temper with electric cables and transformer used for supplying electricity to the said building”

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened the provisions of section 3(6),1(4)(a) and 1(19)(a) of the Miscellaneous offences Act.

#

News

Breaking: Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Arrested Over Endbadgovernance Protest

Published

on

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

President Tinubu Orders release of all minors who participated in the Endbadgovernance protest .

 

The minister of information and national orientation Muhammad Idris stated this to state House correspondents.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, on Monday.

The Minister was flanked by the Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy; Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and orientation.

Idris stated that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to begin the process of securing the minors’ release without delay.

“The President has directed that all minors be released on the and also reunited with their families anywhere they are in the country. A committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated and anyone found wanting will be brought to book,” he said.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

Published

on

 

The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

Published

on

Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

#

Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

Continue Reading

Trending