SPOTLIGHTS
NUPENG General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi, was attacked and left for dead by defendants
The defendants are now on trial for their alleged assault
Afolabi broke down in tears as he recounted the attack in court
The defendants allegedly laid siege to the NUPENG headquarters and attacked Afolabi and others
Afolabi suffered severe injuries and was hospitalised
The trial will continue on October 10
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, was filled with emotion as the General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Olawale Afolabi, gave a chilling account of how he was attacked and left for dead on November 1, 2023.
Standing in the box as the first prosecution witness, Afolabi broke down in tears as he narrated the vicious attack he endured at the hands of the defendants. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the witness told Justice Yusuf Halilu how the defendants had descended on him and “left him to die”.
He described the events of November 1, 2023, as the “most awful and horrible day” in his life, as he nearly lost his life due to the defendants’ actions.
The defendants include a one-time National Chairman, Lucky Osesua; his deputy, Mr Dayyabu Yusuf Garga; Humble Obinna; Akinolu Olabisi; Godwin Nwaka; Tiamiu Sikiru; Abdulmimin Shaibu; John Amajuoyi; Zaira Aregbo; Patrick Erhivwor; Stephen Ogheneruemu; Gift Ukponku; and Sunday Ezeocha, among others.
They were charged with attacking the National President of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha; General Secretary, Wale Afolabi; and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD-NUPENG, Augustine Egbon. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were remanded in prison custody until they perfected their bail.
Although the police initially filed the charge against them, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice took over the case.
At the resumed trial on Wednesday, the federal government’s lawyer, Mr David Kaswe, led Afolabi, the First Prosecution Witness (PW1), to give evidence and tendered exhibits to support the allegations against the defendants.
Afolabi recalled how he and the National President of NUPENG and two others had arrived at the union’s headquarters at 50 Majekodunmi Crescent, Utarko, Abuja, on that fateful day for their lawful duties. However, the defendants had laid siege inside the premises and pounced on him as soon as he entered through the pedestrian gate, as the main gate was closed.
“Lucky came to me, grabbed my throat trying to strangulate me, Obinna came and gave me a blow, and Sikiru Tiamiu gave me another blow on the other side, and I became dizzy,” he said.
He added that when the beating intensified and he was about to die, Lucky shouted to the others, “don’t kill him here,” while Gaga said, “pull him out, it is not supposed to be here.” At that point, he was dragged out of the union’s premises and further beaten outside until he lost consciousness.
“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.
Afolabi said he was taken to the police station on November 2, 2023, where he made a statement and was taken to the Police Hospital for further treatment.
Kaswe tendered the hospital reports and patient’s cards of the two hospitals, as well as the Emmanuel Eye Care Services and Dental Clinic appointment card, which were later admitted in evidence. The petition written to the police on November 2, 2023, was also admitted.
However, under cross-examination by the defendants’ counsel, Benson Igbanoi, the witness could not remember the number of statements he made to the police. He also admitted that he did not mention the names of those who attacked him in his statement, although he had mentioned them during his evidence.
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 and that they have 150 branches.
When asked how he was able to recognise those whom he said attacked him, the witness submitted, “That I lost consciousness does not mean I lost my memory.” However, he stated that he doesn’t know the name of the doctor who treated him in the hospital.
Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the case until October 10 for continuation of the trial.
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