A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Wednesday began the trial of 20 leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, who were charged with attempted murder.
The union leaders, including a national chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming national delegates conference, Lucky Osesua, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu in suit number, CR/042/202.
They were charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Also charged are Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.
Others are Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.
The union members were alleged to have attacked the NUPENG President, Wiliams Akporeha; the General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD, Augustine Egbon.
The NUPENG members were 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 50, Moses Majekodenmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on November 1, 2023.
The defendants were further accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Akporeha, Afolabi, and Egbon.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, told the court that his five witnesses were in court.
The first prosecution witness, Afolabi, told the court that he was the general secretary of NUPENG.
While being led in evidence by Kaswe, Afolabi 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.
Kaswe tendered the hospital reports and patient cards of the two hospitals, as well as that of Emmanuel Eye Care Services and Dental clinic appointment card which were later admitted in evidence.
Also admitted was the petition written to the police on November 2, 2023.
During cross-examination by the defendants’ counsel, Benson Igbanoi, the witness said he arrived in Abuja for an official duty from Lagos, where he resides.
When asked if there was an election a day before he arrived in Abuja, he answered in the affirmative, adding that there were three elections, in Ibadan, Warri and Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Justice Yusuf Halilu, adjourned the matter until October 10 for the continuation of trial, saying the defendants should remain on the bail granted them.
https://punchng.com/court-adjourns-nupeng-tanker-drivers-attempted-murder-trial/
