FCT High Court Adjourns Trial of 20 Tanker Drivers Accused of Attempted Murder
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, on Tuesday adjourned proceedings in the trial of 20 petroleum tanker drivers charged with attempted murder, fixing 28 April for continuation of hearing.
The defendants are standing trial on a five‑count charge filed by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation. The prosecution alleges that, in 2023, the defendants violently attacked officials of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the Union’s Secretariat in Abuja. Among those assaulted were the Union’s President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, its General Secretary, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, and the then National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch, Comrade Augustine Egbon (now deceased).
The charge, numbered FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, lists as defendants: former PTD National Chairman Lucky Osesua, alongside Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, and Sunday Ezeocha. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
At Tuesday’s session, trial judge Justice Yusuf Halilu took the testimony of NUPENG’s Deputy President, Comrade Olujide Solomon Kilanko, who appeared as the third prosecution witness (PW‑3). Kilanko recounted how he was ambushed and beaten unconscious during the incident of 1 November 2023, allegedly led by the 1st defendant, Osesua. He narrated that the defendants, accompanied by thugs armed with stones, sticks, and broken concrete, attacked him and other union leaders at the Secretariat premises. Kilanko testified that he sustained injuries, fainted, and later regained consciousness in a private hospital. His hospital card and police statement were admitted into evidence.
The prosecution, represented by Mr. David Kaswe, further informed the court that the 1st defendant had breached bail conditions and indicated that a formal application would be filed seeking revocation of his bail.
