FCT Court Threatens Jail for Ex-PTD Leaders Over Trial Delays
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, on Wednesday, threatened to revoke the bail of 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG over repeated delays in their criminal trial.
Presiding over the case, Justice Yusuf Halilu expressed strong displeasure at the lack of progress since 2023, when the defendants were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on attempted murder, assault, and breach of public peace. The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, involves several former PTD leaders including ex-national chairman, Lucky Osesua.
The defendants are accused of violently attacking the NUPENG National President, Williams Akporeha; Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi; and the newly elected PTD chairman, Augustine Egbon, in a manner allegedly capable of causing death.
Other accused persons 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. All pleaded not guilty and were granted bail to prepare their defence.
During Wednesday’s hearing, prosecution counsel David Kaswe informed the court that proceedings were slated for the continuation of testimony by the second prosecution witness.
However, defence lawyer Abubakar Sani requested a one-hour stand-down to allow senior counsel, Chief Christopher Oshiomegie, SAN, to take over proceedings. The request angered Justice Halilu, who pointed out that he had cleared his docket for the day to give the case full attention. He noted that since October 2023, the testimony of the second witness had been stalled on three separate occasions.
Visibly irritated, the judge warned that he would not hesitate to remand the defendants in prison to compel their legal team to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves.
Meanwhile, the court ordered trial to continue in the absence of the 19th defendant, Malam Adamu Ibrahim Umaru, who has missed three consecutive court sessions. Prosecution applied for this under Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Though defence counsel Sani opposed the request—arguing that Umaru had only missed two sessions and his absence had previously been communicated—Justice Halilu ruled in favour of the prosecution.
The judge emphasized that bail is a constitutional right but must be respected by compliance with court conditions. He ruled that Umaru had breached his bail terms and ordered the trial to proceed without him.
After the second prosecution witness, Williams Akporeha, concluded his evidence-in-chief, the court adjourned the matter until July 9 for cross-examination by the defence.
