Alleged Arson: NLC strike stalls arraignment of Lebanese national, 1 other

The arraignment of a Lebanese national, Maged Ali-Taan, for alleged arson was stalled on Wednesday by the ongoing organised labour strike.

Ali-Taan, the Managing Director of Alibert Products Nigeria Limited, and his employee, Mustapha Tiamiyu, are charged before a Federal High Court in Kano by the Inspector General of Police.

The defendants are charged with three counts bordering on conspiracy, arson, and an attempt to temper an electric transformer.

Supreme News reports that the defendants were not in court due to the industrial action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Speaking to journalist, the Prosecutor, Mr Abdulsalam Saleh, said the defendants committed the offence on Dec.20, 2021 at no 5c Murtala Muhammed Way Kano.

He alleged that on the same date the defendants conspired willfully and maliciously set fire on the building at no 5c Murtala Muhammed Way Kano which he occupied as a tenant and used same as show room.

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

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

Saleh said that the offences contravened the provisions of sections 3(6), 1(4)(a), and 1(19)(a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The court fixed Nov. 22 for arraignment before Justice Muhammad Nasir-Yunusa.