Tag: NUPENG

The current detention of an oil worker, Adamu Ibrahim on Wednesday stalled the ongoing attempted murder trial of 20 members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama.

Ibrahim is listed as the 19th defendant in the amended charge on which the 20 defendants are currently being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

At the mention of the case on Wednesday, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, an Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, noted that while the other defendants were in court, Ibrahim was absent.

Kaswe’s observation prompted the trial judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf to inquire from the defence lawyer, Christopher Oshomegie (SAN)

about Ibrahim’s whereabouts.

Responding, Oshomegie said Ibrahim was currently being remanded at the correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State.

Oshomegie said he was told that Ibrahim had some domestic issues, adding: “He has issues with his household, regarding the people dwelling with him.

“He was taken to court and now he is in custody at the correctional centre in Calabar. That is why he is not in court. The issue of his bail is being sorted out,” Oshomegie said.

Kaswe said Oshomegie was not telling it as it was. He said Ibrahim was not in court because he has committed an offence in Calabar and was being detained in prison pending prosecution.

Kaswe said he was aware of some media reports that Ibrahim impregnated his teenage daughter and was arrested and later detained in prison pending trial.

The prosecuting lawyer then urged the court to proceed with trial by activating the provision of the Adminstration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that allows trial of a defendant in absentia.

Justice Yusuf said, although he was aware of such provision in ACJA, he would prefer to give the affected defendant (Ibrahim) time to explore his bail option since the information of his remand in a prison in Calabar was coming to his court’s attention for the first time.

The judge subsequently adjourned till May 19 for continuation of trial.

Ibrahim is standing trial with a former PTD National Chairman, Lucky Osesua and 18 others on a five-count criminal charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.

Read Also: NUPENG sympathises with Niger tanker explosion’s victims, families

They were in the charged marked: CR/042/2023, accused of acting “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on November 1, 2023.

The defendants were also accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon.

While testifying in the case on October 23, 2024 the President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha gave details on how he and other senior members of the union were allegedly attacked by the defendants, adding that he narrowly escaped being killed.

Akporeha said, but for the efforts of security personnel he would have been killed or subjected to the violent attacks that nearly claimed the lives of the union’s Secretary General, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

…tasks FG on road repairs

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Sunday sympathised with victims, families, friends, and communities
affected by the tragic petroleum truck accident at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local
Government, Niger State, at the weekend.

NUPENG in a statement jointly signed by its President Comrade Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, the declared that it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the destruction of property and the injuries sustained by many in this devastating incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this traumatic and challenging time.”

The Union further appealed to the federal government to take urgent steps to repair federal roads which it noted were in bad shape.

It also tasked the federal government to mandate its relevant agencies to seize the initiative towards sensitising Nigerians on the danger of scooping fuel from scenes of petrol tanker accidents.

Read Also: Niger tanker explosion: First Lady expresses sadness, urges caution

“The Union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the federal government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitizing the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.

“As a responsible organization, NUPENG collaborates annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management agencies, to train our drivers on road safety.

“The Union is committed to continuously training and retraining our members on best driving and safety practices.

“We stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Dikko community in Niger State. We commend the emergency responders who bravely extinguished the fire and rescued many injured victims.

“We urge all relevant authorities to provide the necessary support and medical care to those injured and to take measures to prevent future tragedies.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” NUPENG said.

The planned resumption in the attempted murder trial of 20 senior members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has been stalled owing to the absence of one of the defendants – Adamu Ibrahim.

At the mention of the case, defence lawyer, Christopher Oshomegie (SAN) informed the court that Ibrahim was ill, which accounted for his absence.

Oshomegie tendered a medical report from a private maternity hospital in Calabar (Cross River State) to support his claim that one of his clients was suffering from ill health.

Prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe objected to the tendering of the report, arguing that it did not meet the standard required.

Kaswe noted that the medical report was not issued by a government-owned medical facility as required. He urged the court to reject it.

The prosecuting lawyer also urged the court to revoke the bail earlier granted to Ibrahim and issue a bench warrant for his arrest, a request Oshomegie objected to and urged the court to grant an adjournment.

Ruling, Justice Halilu Yusuf agreed with Kaswe that the medical report from a private maternity hospital in Calabar is not acceptable.

Justice Yusuf however, noted that it was the first time Adamu, who had always attended proceedings, would be absent in court on grounds of ill-health.

The judge held that, although the report from the hospital did not meet the required standard, the justice of the case required that Ibrahim be accorded the benefit of the doubt.

He acceded to the defence’s request for adjournment and adjourned till January 27 for the continuation of the trial.

A former PTD National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, and 19 others are being prosecuted by the police on a five-count criminal charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace, and assault.

They were in the charge marked: CR/042/2023, accused of acting “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on November 1, 2023.

The defendants were also accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko, and Comrade Augustine Egbon.

While testifying in the case on October 23, the President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha gave details on how he and other senior members of the union were allegedly attacked by the defendants, adding that he narrowly escaped being killed.

Akporeha said, but for the efforts of security personnel, he would have been killed or subjected to the violent attacks that nearly claimed the lives of the union’s Secretary General, Wale Afolabi, and the newly elected National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

Led in evidence by Kaswe, Akporeha told the court that trouble started shortly after he, the NUPENG Deputy National President, Solomon Kilanko, Afolabi, and Egbon arrived at the PTD office, which served as NUPENG’s Abuja liaison office.

He said they were curious about a delay in the opening of the gate to the office building, especially with the presence of Osesua, Humble Obinna, and Dayyabu Garga, at the entrance of the gate.

Akporeha recalled that the three defendants, upon sighting them started shouting and beckoning to others across the road to come quickly, adding that as he and Afolabi stepped out of the car to enter the premises of the office, the defendants started calling them thieves.

“Myself and Afolabi stepped out first and decided to enter the premises through the pedestrian gate. Immediately they saw us, they started shouting and beckoned on others across the road to come quickly,” he said.

He added that as soon as both of them entered the premises, some of the defendants swooped on both of them, adding that while they dragged Afolabi out of the premises, some security there provided a human shield for him and took him to the back of the building.

The witness said as they were prevented from attacking him, all the defendants went for Afolabi and dragged him across the street where they dealt with him mercilessly.

Akporeha added that while at the back of the building he called his secretary, Mary Okafor who later opened a back door to enable him to enter into the building.

He stated that while in the building, he went into the office of the branch chairman of PTD, which is facing the street where the defendants were gathered and were assaulting Afolabi and others.

Akporeha said from where he stood, he was able to see the defendants attacking both Afolabi and Kilanko, adding that two of them held jerry cans, which he suspected contained petrol.

“At a point, I couldn’t see Afolabi and Solomon, but I saw blood stains on the road to the office. The defendants were standing on the road brandishing all forms of dangerous weapons and calling on me to come down.

Read Also: Dutchford warns NUPENG against shutting facilities, recommits to workers’ welfare

“I became afraid for my life especially when they were saying they would burn down the building.

“I now called the driver Peter Raymond to find out his whereabouts and status of Afolabi and others. He told me that he was on his way to the clinic with Afolabi who was unconscious, heavily bleeding, and motionless”, he said.

The witness said he was still in the building when the police led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) from Utako police came to rescue him.

Akporeha said he later caused a petition to be written to the police, narrating the conduct of the defendants, which led to their arrest and present charge against them.

Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has condemned alleged attempt by the military and other security forces to forcefully remove workers from Oritsetimeyin Rig.

The oil body, in a statement, claimed these union members face eviction because they demanded implementation of a previously agreed contract.

In the statemtment signed by NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union called on the Federal Government, National Security Adviser, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Department of State Services (DSS) to address the  “illegal and forceful eviction.”

The union noted that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their contractors, operators of Oritsetimeyin Rig, allegedly defy  Nigerian laws by refusing to honour agreements with workers.

These companies reportedly disregard workers’ rights and scoff at regulatory directives, according to the statement.

Read Also: IGP orders police officers to wear black bands over Lagbaja’s death

Meetings by NUPRC with representatives from Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services, as well as members of DSS, have been on since July.

The companies agreed to settle severance package by October 7, an agreement NUPENG alleged has not been upheld.

“It is sad that in a democracy, employers and some state collaborators will use force to settle industrial disputes.

“Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services and its Labour Contractors who are the operators of the Oritsetimeyin Rig, believe they are above the laws and directives of regulatory authorities in Nigeria.

“It should be noted that these companies have penchant for running away with workers terminal benefits and we have written earlier on their unscrupulous antics to the office of National Security Adviser and Department of State Security on this and warned that these companies are reaping of Nigerian workers,” the statement read.

National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) yesterday urged the public to disregard a new association in the petroleum marketing and transportation business.

A statement by National President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi, said those behind the body are rent seekers and smugglers of petroleum products.

The statement said: “The attention of the leadership has been drawn to advertisements of some unscrupulous and dangerous individuals claiming to be members of one amorphous association they claim is transporters and marketers of oil and gas. We wish to state that this association is nothing but assemblage of failed rent seekers in the subsidy regime and (irredeemable smugglers of petroleum products…”

The union warned government institutions on the antics of the individuals.

Read Also: NUPENG President tells court how he narrowly escaped death

NUPENG noted that those behind the association want to exploit Nigerians after the phasing out of subsidy.

 “The public and government institutions are warned and  advised to be wary of these individuals who desperately seek ways to continue to exploit Nigerians and collect rents since the administration removed subsidy from petroleum products and made smuggling unprofitable.”

NUPENG added that it recognises Nigerian Association of Transport Owners, Petroleum Tanker Drivers,  Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria), Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria as well as Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria.

The President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG),  Williams Akporeha has given details of how he escaped being killed.

Akporeha said but for the efforts of security personnel he would have been killed or subjected to the violent attacks that nearly claimed the lives of the union’s Secretary General, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

The NUPENG President spoke before a HIgh Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama while testifying as the second prosecution witness (PW2) in the attempted murder trial of 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTDl branch of NUPENG.

A former PTD National Chairman, Mr Lucky Osesua and 19 others are being prosecuted by the police on a five count criminal charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.

They were in the charged marked: CR/042/2023, accused of acting “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on November 1, 2023.

The defendants were also  accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon.

On Wednesday, Akporeha told the court that trouble started shortly after himself, the  NUPENG Deputy National President, Solomon Kilanko, Afolabi and Egbon arrived at the PTD office, which served as NUPENG’s Abuja liaison office.

Led in his evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, the witness said

 they were curious over a delay in the opening of the gate to the office building, especially with the presence of Osesua, Humble Obinna and Dayyabu Garga, at the entrance of the gate.

He recalled that the three defendants, upon sighting them started shouting and beckoning to others across the road to come quickly, adding that as he and Afolabi stepped out of the car to enter the premises of the office, the defendants started calling them thieves.

“Myself and Afolabi stepped out first and decided to enter the premises through the pedestrian gate. Immediately they saw us, the started shouting and beckoned on others across the road to come quickly,” he said.

He added that as soon as both of them entered the premises, some of the defendants swooped on both of them, adding that while they dragged Afolabi out of the premises, some security there provided human shield for him and took him to the back of the building. 

The witness said as they were prevented from attacking him, all the defendants went for Afolabi, dragged him across the street where they dealt with him mercilessly.

Akporeha added that while at the back of the building he called his secretary, Mary Okafor who later opened a back door to enable him enter into the building.

He stated that while in the building, he went into the office of the branch chairman of PTD, which is facing the street where the defendants were gathered and were assaulting Afolabi and others.

Akporeha said from where he stood, he was able to see the defendants attacking both Afolabi and Kilanko, adding that two of them held jerry cans, which he suspected contained petrol.

“At a point, I couldn’t see Afolabi and Solomon but I saw blood stains on the road to the office. The defendants were standing on the road brandishing all forms of dangerous weapons and calling on me to come down.

Read Also: PTD-NUPENG lauds Tinubu on road repairs, products supply

“I became afraid of my life especially when they were saying they will burn down the building. 

“I now called the driver Peter Raymond to find out his whereabouts and status of Afolabi and others. He told me that he was on his way to the clinic with Afolabi who was unconscious, heavily bleeding and motionless”, he said.

The witness said he was still in the building when the police led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) from Utako police came to rescue him.

Akporeha said he later caused a petition to be written to the police, narrating the conduct of the defendants, which led to their arrest and present charge against them.

Move by the prosecuting lawyer to tender a copy of the petition was however opposed the defence lawyer, Christopher Oshiomogie (SAN.)

Justice Yusuf Halilu however adjourned further proceedings till November 20.

…says it’s a major milestone for Nigeria’s energy independence

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is excited by the commencement of operation by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical.

The union said the successful production of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol from the refinery represented a monumental step forward for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic growth.

The General Secretary of NUPENG, Labi Olawale said this in a congratulatory letter to the President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote on Wednesday in Abuja on behalf of the NUPENG President.

According to the union, the launch of the refinery “has been long anticipated and awaited with bated breath and prayers not only by Nigerians but by the entire Continent of Africa.”

Read Also: PTD-NUPENG denies alleged plot to join August protests

The statement said: “We are proud of you, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, you are a man with uncommon courage and determination. You have dared to dream and thread where no mortal has ever done.

“This remarkable achievement at the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery and petrochemical plant is a testament to your unwavering commitment, innovation, and excellence in the energy sector.

“We recognise the immense efforts and dedication that have gone into making this vision a reality.

“The successful production of PMS at this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone for Dangote Refinery, and also represents a monumental step forward for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic growth.”

The union commended President Bola Tinubu and Dangote on the historic and landmark commencement of the production of the PMS.

It said that Dangote’s visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in achieving the feat.

The statement said NUPENG was excited about the opportunities this development will bring.

It added: “Your contributions to the industrialisation and economic development of Africa are truly commendable, and we are proud to witness the positive impact of your endeavours on our nation.

“As a union dedicated to the welfare and advancement of workers in the petroleum and natural gas industry, NUPENG is excited about the opportunities this development will bring.

“This is in terms of employment for Nigerians, socioeconomic prosperity, and monumental growth of our country.”

It said that it would continue to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Oil and Gas industry.