Abuja, Nigeria — A senior official of Nigeria’s main oil workers’ union testified in court Wednesday, alleging a violent assault against him by more than a dozen members of a subordinate branch. The Federal Capital Territory High Court heard charges of attempted murder against the accused, linked to an incident at the national headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Afolabi Olawale, secretary-general of NUPENG, claimed to have been nearly killed during an encounter at the union’s Abuilo office when he, along with the union’s president and two other colleagues, was allegedly attacked by members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch. The attackers included a former chairman of the branch and six other key figures.
The assault charges stem from a broader incident involving disruptions at the union headquarters that reportedly compromised the organization’s operations. The court proceedings are part of an amended suit filed earlier this year, following the violent outbreaks.
During the hearing, Olawale recounted his experiences in detail, describing how he and others were besieged by the accused. According to his testimony, the group was met with hostility instead of expected security clearance upon arriving at the office. The confrontation led to severe injuries, leaving Olawale in need of extensive medical treatment, including orthodontic and orthopedic care, as confirmed by medical reports submitted to the court.
The defendants, among them Lucky Osesua, Humble Obinna, and several others, faced multiple charges of assault, attempted murder, and causing a breach of peace. They pleaded not guilty to all counts, challenging the prosecution’s narrative.
David Kaswe, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, guided Olawale’s evidence presentation, during which the witness affirmed the deliberate nature of the attack. Under cross-examination, defense attorneys probed the consistency of Olawale’s account, particularly regarding his recollections of the physical altercation.
The court accepted into record the medical reports itemizing Olawale’s injuries, which further substantiated the prosecution’s case that the defendants’ actions were premeditated and harmful.
As the trial progresses, both the defense and the prosecution are expected to present further evidence and witness testimony. The court adjourned the matter to a later date, extending a case that underscores the occurring conflicts within one of Nigeria’s most critical labor unions.
NUPENG, representing a significant portion of workers in Nigeria’s pivotal oil and gas sector, finds itself at a challenging juncture, dealing with internal strife amid wider industrial and economic pressures facing the country. The outcome of this high-profile trial may have long-reaching implications not only for the union members but also for the operational integrity and leadership of labor movements in highly volatile sectors.
The accused individuals remain free until proven guilty. The trial is set to continue on October 10, 2024, when more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances that led to the violent clash in Nigeria’s capital.