A shocking turn of events unfolded as a high court in the Federal Capital Territory ordered 13 former officials of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Charged with the attempted murder of the National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, and two others, the development has sparked widespread concern.
Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the remand order following the arraignment of the defendants on a five-count criminal charge. Among those charged is the former National Chairman of the branch, Lucky Osesua, along with others who pled not guilty to the charges laid before them.
The defendants’ counsel promptly applied for bail, which was summarily rejected by Justice Halilu. Instead, he requested a formal bail application and ordered the defendants be remanded pending the determination of the bail request. The trial is now set to commence on November 21.
The detention order was duly endorsed by the judge, and preparations for the defendants’ transport to Kuje prison were underway at the time of the report. This case has captured the attention of the nation, highlighting the importance of accountability within union leadership.
