Alleged Assault: Court Remands 13 NUPENG Ex-Leaders in Kuje Prison

• At least 13 former leaders of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have reportedly been remanded in Kuje Prison
• This development was confirmed on Friday, November 17, following an order by Justice Haruna Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court
• It was gathered Lucky Osesua, the former national chairman of NUPENG, and his deputy Dayyabu Yusuf Garga were among the 13 detained behind bars

Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil society, courts, and metro

FCT, Abuja - The Federal Capital Territory's High Court has mandated the detention of Lucky Osesua, former National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), along with his Deputy, Dayyabu Yusuf Garga, and 11 others in Kuje prison.

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Justice Haruna Yusuf issued the order after the union members faced charges filed by the Inspector General of Police, including allegations of assaulting and attempting to kill the new union leaders.

Allegation of assault

The accused individuals supposedly targeted NUPENG's President, Wiliams Akporeha; General Secretary Wale Afolabi; and the newly elected National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

The charges specify actions "likely to cause the death" of Akporeha and Egbon.

The court directed that the 13 defendants remain in Kuje prison until their bail application is heard on November 21.

Among those arraigned for prosecution are Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, and Sunday Ezeocha.

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The judge rejected the oral bail application and instructed the defendants' lawyer, Christopher Oshomogie (SAN), to submit a formal application. The next hearing is scheduled for November 21.

Organised labour declares strike over assault on national chairman

In another report, organised labour announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday, November 8, over the beating and abduction of the NLC president, Joe Ajaero.

In a joint statement by the NLC and the TUC, the workers expressed disappointment over the federal government's silence on the attacks on the workers.

However, the union listed seven conditions, including the redeployment of the Imo State commissioner of police, before the strike could be suspended.

Source: Legit.ng