The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court commenced the trial of 20 former officials of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Wednesday, facing charges related to attempted murder.
The former union leaders, including Lucky Osesua, a one-time national chairman, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu in the suit marked CR/042/202.
They are charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault by the office of the attorney general of the federation. Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi are also charged. Others are Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.
The union members were alleged to have attacked NUPENG president Wiliams Akporeha, general secretary Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.
The NUPENG members were particularly alleged to have acted “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon” when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodunmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on November 1.
In the suit, the defendants were accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, told the court that his five witnesses were in court. The first prosecution witness, Olawale Afolabi, testified as PW1 and told the court that he is the general secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG).
Led in evidence by Mr Kaswe, he narrated how the defendants laid siege at the PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on November 1.
He alleged that he was beaten and left unconscious by the defendants.
“When I gained consciousness the next day, I found myself in Zankli Hospital, Abuja. I suffered severe injuries. I was afraid for my life and safety at the hospital. I had to leave for another hospital,” he said.
The witness said he was taken to the police station on November 2, 2023, where he made a statement and was then taken to the police hospital for further treatment.
Mr Kaswe tendered the two hospitals’ hospital reports and patient cards, as well as the Emmanuel Eye Care Services and Dental Clinic appointment cards, which were later admitted in evidence.
Also admitted was the petition written to the police on November 2, 2023.
Being cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Benson Igbanoi, the witness said he arrived in Abuja for official duty from Lagos, where he resides.
When asked if there had been an election a day before he arrived in Abuja, he answered in the affirmative, adding that there had been three elections in Ibadan, Warri, and Port Harcourt and that they had 150 branches.
He said yes when asked if he was aware of the National Industrial Court judgment.
Answering how he was able to recognise those who attacked him, he said, “I lost consciousness does not mean I lost my memory.”
He said he did not remember the name of the doctor who treated him in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned until October 10 for the continuation of the trial.
