The trial of 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) union was stalled at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court due to the absence of one of the defendants, Adamu Ibrahim.
Ibrahim was reported to be in custody at a prison facility in Calabar, Cross River State.
The defendants, including former PTD chairman Lucky Osesua, are standing trial on charges of attempted murder, breach of public peace, and assault.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, is being heard before Justice Yusuf Halilu.
Other defendants in the case include Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, Sunday Ezeocha, and seven others.
They are accused of attacking the National President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Williams Akporeha, the union’s Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi, and the current PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon.
The attack was allegedly carried out in a manner that could have led to death.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
During the court session, the prosecution informed the court of Ibrahim’s absence, while the lead defence counsel, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), explained that Ibrahim was being held in Calabar over a domestic issue and that efforts were underway to secure his bail.
The prosecution asked the court to proceed with the trial under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, despite Ibrahim’s absence.
However, Justice Halilu noted that Ibrahim had been present during the last court session and ruled that, in the interest of justice, he would be given one final opportunity to appear.
The judge warned that the trial would continue in his absence if he fails to attend the next hearing.
With both parties in agreement, the court adjourned the case to May 19 for a definite hearing.
(Prompt news)