A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the trial of 19 members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) union accused of attempted murder will proceed with 18 of the defendants, following the repeated absence of the 19th accused.
Justice Binta Nyako, who is presiding over the case, made the ruling on Thursday after the 19th defendant failed to appear in court for the third consecutive time. The trial, which stems from a violent incident involving senior PTD officials earlier this year, has attracted national attention due to its implications for union leadership and internal power struggles.
The court granted the prosecution’s request to separate the trial of the absent defendant in order to avoid further delays. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Justice Nyako noted, stressing the importance of ensuring timely proceedings for both the defendants and the complainants.
The 19 PTD members are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and breach of peace, in connection with a violent attack on a rival faction within the union.
Prosecutors allege that the accused conspired to eliminate a key union official during a leadership dispute in March 2025. The attack, which occurred in Abuja, left one person critically injured and several others hospitalized.
While 18 of the defendants have remained in custody or have been appearing for trial under strict bail conditions, the 19th accused reportedly fled after being granted conditional bail. The court has now ordered his arrest and declared him a fugitive from justice.
Lead prosecutor Barrister Amina Yakubu welcomed the court’s decision to split the trial. “We cannot allow the actions of one defendant to hold up the entire judicial process. This ruling sends a clear message that the justice system will not tolerate delay tactics,” she said.
Defence lawyers have expressed concern over the move, arguing that it could prejudice the rights of the remaining defendants. However, the court assured that the ongoing trial would continue in accordance with fair trial principles.
The case has further highlighted growing unrest within the leadership of the PTD, a critical arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). Industry stakeholders and union members have called for greater transparency and internal reforms to prevent further conflict.
The next hearing has been scheduled for July 10, 2025, where witnesses are expected to testify and evidence from the incident scene will be formally presented.
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