Attempted murder: NUPENG deputy president recounts attack by ex-officials, thugs …As prosecution moves to revoke first defendant’s bail

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Olujide Solomon Kilanko, on Tuesday narrated before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) how he was allegedly attacked by former National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the union, Comrade Lucky Osesua, alongside 20 others at the PTD-NUPENG national secretariat in Abuja.

Osesua and 20 others are currently standing trial before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Maitama Division, Abuja, on a five-count charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace, and assault in suit number FCT/HC/CR/042/2023.
The defendants were alleged to have, on November 1, 2023, attacked the NUPENG President, William Akporeha; the union’s Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi; and the PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon (now deceased), in a manner likely to cause their death, among other offences.
Other defendants listed in the charge 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, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing, the third prosecution witness (PW3), Comrade Kilanko, recounted how on November 1, 2023, Osesua allegedly led the other defendants to ambush and attack him, Akporeha, Afolabi, and the late Egbon at the union secretariat in Abuja.
According to him, the defendants, accompanied by thugs, were armed with stones, sticks, and broken concrete blocks, which they used in carrying out the attack.
He told the court:
“That morning, in the company of my President, Comrade Akporeha, we were in a vehicle along with General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and the late Comrade Augustine Egbon.
“We arrived at No. 50 Majekodunmi Crescent, Utako, Abuja. The driver would normally press the horn twice for the gate to be opened.
“This time, there was no response. Afolabi stepped out of the car, and shortly after, the president joined him.
“That was when I noticed Comrade Lucky Osesua and a few others at the gate. I also stepped out to join them.
“I heard Comrade Osesua saying, ‘They have come.’ When I looked in the direction he signaled, I saw the remaining defendants approaching with stones, sticks, and broken concrete blocks.”
Kilanko said he attempted to gain access through the pedestrian gate after noticing the weapons, but alleged that Osesua and another individual restrained Afolabi at the security gate.
After entering the premises, he said he encountered the sixth and ninth defendants, who blocked his path and began assaulting him.
“As I tried to pass, they started beating me. They hit my legs and lips. When the assault intensified, I attempted to retreat outside.
“One of them struck the back of my head with either a stone or a piece of wood. I fell unconscious. They continued kicking me.”
He stated that he later regained consciousness and saw Afolabi lying across the road on the pedestrian walkway. He then attempted to escape through the side of the office fence.
Kilanko further testified that his first attempt to flee was thwarted when the defendants allegedly prevented a vehicle from conveying him away from the scene.
“I saw a car parked by the roadside with the driver standing nearby. I pleaded with him to take me away because I was injured. He agreed.
“As he attempted a U-turn, Olabisi Akinlolu (4th defendant) and Sikiru Tiamiyu (9th defendant) saw me and alerted others by shouting my name.
“They stopped the driver and threatened him with sharp objects. Before I could fully open the door, Dele Nwaka (5th defendant) smashed the windscreen of the car, forcing me out.
“They dragged me from the vehicle and resumed beating me. The assault stopped only after someone cautioned that I could die.”
He added that he eventually managed to hide and later boarded a tricycle to leave the area. A union member he had earlier contacted also sent a driver to assist him.
“I only remember waking up in a private hospital,” he said, adding that the police later took statements from him, Afolabi, and Akporeha.
The prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, tendered Kilanko’s hospital card and police statement, which were admitted in evidence.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Christopher Oshomegie (SAN), Kilanko said he could not recall the number or names of doctors who treated him because he had been unconscious.
“I don’t know how I got to the hospital. When I woke up, I could only see that one medical doctor was attending to me,” he stated.
Responding to questions about discrepancies between his police statement and his testimony, he said the police wrote the statement on his behalf.
“I was too tired to write. They asked questions, and I responded,” he explained.
Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel sought the revocation of the bail granted to the first defendant, Lucky Osesua, alleging a breach of bail conditions.
The defence objected, describing the request as unjust and inhumane.
“Why seek revocation of bail when they have already been denied access to the depots? What offence have they committed to warrant such a demand?” the senior advocate queried.
In his ruling, Justice Halilu held that the prosecution had the right to apply for bail revocation and that such a request did not amount to inhumanity.
“The prosecutor has the right to request revocation of bail, but he ought to formally notify the court,” the judge stated.
He emphasized that bail is a constitutional right, subject to compliance with its conditions.
“The fact that he indicates he will file an application to revoke bail does not mean it will be granted. It remains within the discretion of the court,” he added.
Justice Halilu subsequently adjourned the matter to April 28 for continuation of trial.