A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, on Wednesday, June 18, adjourned further hearing in the trial of 20 former tanker drivers to Tuesday, July 9.
The defendants, identified as former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), are facing a five-count charge that includes alleged attempted murder, breach of public peace, and assault.
The charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, was filed by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. The defendants are accused of attacking NUPENG National President, Mr. Williams Akporeha; the union’s Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi; and the new PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon — actions the prosecution says were likely to cause death.
Among those standing trial are former PTD National Chairman Lucky Osesua, along with Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu, and John Amajuoyi. Others include Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, and Sunday Ezeocha.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Justice Yusuf Halilu granted the Federal Government permission to prosecute Malam Adamu Ibrahim Umaru, the 19th defendant, in absentia. The decision followed repeated failures by Umaru to appear in court — including on previous dates in January and March 2025.
Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe cited Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, arguing that the legal conditions for proceeding in the absence of a defendant had been satisfied.
“He is aware of the criminal charge before this court,” Kaswe told the judge. “If there were any valid reason for his absence, the law requires that he inform the court in advance.”
Defence counsel Abubakar Sani countered that Umaru is currently remanded in Calabar prison over a separate matter. He argued that the section invoked by the prosecution does not apply, as the defendant’s whereabouts are known and he is being held under circumstances beyond his control. Sani also referenced the constitutional presumption of innocence.
In his ruling, Justice Halilu agreed with the prosecution, stating that the defendant’s absence violated the conditions of his bail. The court consequently granted the request to proceed with the trial in his absence.
Before the adjournment, Justice Halilu admitted into evidence a petition dated November 2, 2023, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, which initiated the case. The petition, marked as Exhibit G, was presented through the second prosecution witness, Mr. Akporeha.
The court adjourned to allow the defence counsel time to cross-examine the witness. The Federal Government informed the court that two more witnesses are scheduled to testify.
Mr. Akporeha had previously testified on October 23, 2024, recounting how he narrowly escaped being lynched by the defendants, while his colleagues, Afolabi and Egbon, were physically assaulted before police intervened.
