Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has been embroiled in a legal battle, with Secretary-General Mr. Afolabi Olawale accusing thirteen members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of the union of attempted murder. The allegations were presented before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, as part of an amended charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The case, originating from the violence that erupted at NUPENG’s national headquarters in Abuja, saw former National Chairman of the PTD Branch, Lucky Osesua, and several other union leaders arraigned in court in 2023 on charges of assault and attempted murder against the union’s leadership. The individuals named in the suit marked CR/042/2023 were accused of breaching the peace and disrupting the union’s operations.
As the trial unfolded, Olawale took the stand as a witness, detailing the events that transpired in November 2023. He recounted a harrowing experience where he and other union officials were besieged by the defendants, leading to a violent altercation that left him injured and unconscious. Despite the physical and emotional trauma he endured, Olawale bravely testified against the accused, recounting the details of the attack.
During cross-examination by the defense team, Olawale maintained his composure, asserting that despite losing consciousness during the assault, he retained his memory of the events that unfolded. The court admitted his statement on oath, along with medical reports from both the Nigerian Police Hospital and a private medical facility, as evidence in the case.
In a bid to seek justice and hold the accused accountable for their actions, the trial was adjourned to October 10, 2024, for further proceedings. While the defendants maintain their innocence until proven guilty in the eyes of the law, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and conflicts that can arise within labor unions and industrial bodies, further highlighting the importance of upholding peace and order within such organizations.