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

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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.

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“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.

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ADC Rising: Salga hails influx of political heavyweights as a turning point for justice

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Ambassador Abdulrahman Mai Nasara Salga, a prominent ADC leader from Dala, Kano, has welcomed the influx of influential politicians into the party, describing it as a sign of ADC’s growing acceptance.

Salga, who contested for the federal legislature in Dala during the 2023 general election, says the party’s progress is heartening, having worked tirelessly to promote ADC’s agenda and position it as a viable alternative for good governance.

He highlights the entry of Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, and APC’s 2025 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among others, as major boosts that are transforming ADC into a formidable opposition force.

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Salga believes these developments signal a shift towards justice and better leadership in Kano and Nigeria. He urges party leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso, to unite for success in 2027.

The ADC leader pledges continued efforts to promote the party’s ideals, expressing optimism for a brighter future with these influential additions.

 

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BREAKING: INEC Removes David Mark-Led NWC from Portal, Updates Records Amid ADC Leadership Crisis

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally updated its official portal to reflect changes in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the commission’s recognition of the leadership dispute within the party.

The commission confirmed that the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark followed a detailed review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment and an ongoing suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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According to INEC, the decision comes after receiving conflicting legal representations from the two factions vying for control of the party. One faction, loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling, which includes withdrawing recognition from the Mark-led NWC. The other faction, aligned with Mr. Mark, advised INEC against recognizing Mr. Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the pending legal proceedings.

The leadership crisis traces back to July 2025, when the ADC’s former leadership resigned, paving the way for a new executive committee headed by Mr. Mark. Mr. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this transition, arguing that the party’s constitution mandates his ascension to the leadership role.

In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr. Mark. The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the crisis—pending the resolution of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court.

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JUST IN: El-Rufai Detained as Bail Ruling Adjourned to April 14

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.

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Security sources said vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings.

El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice.

“We await the decision of the court,” he added.

He also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

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