A Lebanese man, Maged Ali-Taan, is facing a warrant of arrest issued by a Federal High Court in Kano for his failure to appear in court. The court, presided over by Justice Muhammad Nasir-Yunusa, took this step as the defendant refused to enter his plea on charges of alleged arson.
Ali-Taan, the Managing Director of Alibert Products Nigeria Limited, and his employee, Mustapha Tiamiyu, were charged by the Inspector General of Police. The Prosecution Counsel, Abdulsalam Saleh, expressed disappointment at the defense counsel’s failure to produce the defendants for arraignment.
The defense counsel apologized and sought to transfer the case to Abuja. However, Justice Nasir-Yunusa, angered by the situation, adjourned the matter until Jan.17, 2024, for arraignment.
The charges against the defendants include conspiracy, arson, and an attempt to tamper with an electric transformer.
