News
Court Remands 13 NUPENG Ex-leaders in Kuje Prison over alleged assault
For allegedly assaulting Comrade Wale Afolabi and
Williams Akporeha, Augustine Egbon, General Secretary, National President of NUPENG and the newly elected PTD national chairman, respectively and two others, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of the immediate past National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG, Lucky Osesua, erstwhile Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Dayyabu Yusuf Garga and 11 others in Kuje prison.
Justice Yusuf Halilu ordered that the 13 defendants be remanded in prison after their arraignment on a five count criminal charge.
They were put on trial by the Inspector General of Police for the alleged assault of the two NUPENG chief and the national chairman of the PTD Branch of NUPENG.
Those arraigned includes; a former National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG, Lucky Osesua his Deputy, Mr. Dayyabu Yusuf Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka and Tiamiu Sikiru.
Others are Abdulmimin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha.
Some of the counts, in the charge marked: CR/042/2023 reads: That you Lucky Osesua, Humble Obinna, Dayyabu Yusuf Garga, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmumin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha on the 1st of November, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to cause breach of peace, laid siege at the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District against one Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko & Comrade Augustine Egbon and you thereby commit an offence punishable under Section 114 of the Penal Code Act, 2004.
Count three:
That you Lucky Osesua, Humble Obinna, Dayyabu Yusuf Garga, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmumin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha on the 1st of November, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did act in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha & Comrade Augustine Egbon and you thereby commit an offence punishable under Section 229 of the Penal Code Act, 2004.
In count four they were accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko & Comrade Augustine Egbon.
They however pleaded not guilty to the charges after which prosecution counsel, Frank Longe, applied for a date to begin their trial.
Lead counsel to the defendants, Chris Oshomogie, SAN, orally applied for the bail of his clients claiming that the offences they allegedly Committed are bail-able .
The court however rejected the oral bail application and asked him to file a final application . The Court adjourned till November 21, for commencement of
trial.
South-South leaders have showered praise on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her intelligence, self-control, and fearless representation of Kogi Central, while debunking rumors of discord between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Following a high-level meeting in Calabar on Sunday, the leaders dismissed allegations of sexual harassment and sidelining as “wicked and malicious,” calling them attempts to smear the distinguished senator’s reputation.
“We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuations of political mercenaries,” said Chief John Harry, National Chairman of the South-South Front.
Describing Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “dedicated and fearless lawmaker,” the leaders warned against blackmail and misinformation, urging Nigerians to rally behind her and Akpabio in their efforts to drive national progress.
‘’We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuation of political mercenaries’’
They also chastised some individuals and groups for introducing dangerous dimensions to the recent development in the Senate.
‘’We consider it very irresponsible and most uncharitable for some individuals and groups to mischievously try to set Akpoti-Uduaghan against the leadership of the Senate for expressing her views’’.
The South-South leaders disproved sexual harassment and sidelining rumours, describing them as ‘’wicked and malicious’’
‘’These smear campaigns are attempts to tarnish the image of the distinguished senators and put the popular, bright and unflappable Akpoti-Uduaghan at logger-heads with the leadership of the Senate
A statement by the National Chairman of the South-South Front, Chief John Harry shortly after the meeting applauded Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan for working for the progress of the country.
‘’There is a general misunderstanding. The unwarranted attack being launched on Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amounts to an assault on our collective sensibilities’’
Harry said the leaders took cognizance of the pleasant disposition of the Senate President, his inclusive strategy and the peaceful atmosphere he has been able to create in the Senate.
“No amount of allegations and criticisms hurled at the distinguished senators can erode their contributions to the development of the country”
The notable leaders called on all South-South and North Central people and indeed Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the Senate President and the member representing Kogi Central in the Senate.
‘’The Kogi Central Senator is dedicated and fearless. There is no amount of blackmail, name-calling or intimidation from fictitious groups, that could change the course of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s destiny’’
Former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaba, has passed away at the age of 84.
According to reports, he died peacefully on Saturday in Abuja.
Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa, Secretary of the Egbira Elders Forum, confirmed the news, stating, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and leader, Prof. Tom A. Adaba, has answered the call of nature this morning. Further details about his burial arrangements will be communicated later.”
Born on July 2, 1941, Prof. Adaba made significant contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. Between 1988 and 1992, he became the first Nigerian to serve as President of the African Council for Communication Education.
Despite calls for suspension from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State local government election proceeded as scheduled on Saturday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke voted in Ede North Local Government Area, describing the process as peaceful and urging residents to exercise their franchise.
The AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, cited a Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating sacked local government chairmen, while the police warned of potential security threats.
However, the Osun State government insisted on holding the election, emphasizing its commitment to obeying a court directive. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotted the polls.
Voting took place under tight security, with minimal commercial activity observed in Osogbo, the state capital.
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