The trial of 20 ex-leaders of Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG on Wednesday in Abuja stalled due to absence of the 19th defendant, Adamu Ibrahim who was said to be in detention in Calabar Correctional Centre.

The ex-leaders of the union, including a one-time PTD National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, are standing trial through a suit, marked: FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, before Justice Yusuf Halilu, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, on a five-count charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.

The defendants were alleged to have attacked the NUPENG National President, Mr Wiliams Akporeha; the Union’s Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi and the new PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon, thus acting in a manner likely to cause their death, among others allegations against them.

Wednesday’s Court sitting was the second time this year, the trial of 20 former leaders of Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is taking place.

Also charged with Osesua are Dayyabu Garga; Humble Obinna; Akinolu Olabisi; Godwin Nwaka; Tiamiu Sikiru; Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.

Others are Adamu Ibrahim; Zaira Aregbo; Patrick Erhivwor; Stephen Ogheneruemu; Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing in the case today, the prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that one of the defendants, Adamu Ibrahim, was not present in court.

The lead counsel for all the defendants, Christopher Oshemegie SAN, informed the court that Ibrahim was in custody at the correctional facility in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The senior counsel said he was told that the 19th defendant had domestic issue due to ignorance of the environment, adding that Ibrahim’s bail was being sorted out in Calabar.

Responding to this, the prosecutor said there was a report that Ibrahim committed an offence in Calabar.

According to Kaswe, Ibrahim was said to have pregnated his teenage daughter, which was the main reason he (Ibrahim) was in custody

Kaswe then told the court that the prosecution was ready to go on with the trial in the absence of the 19th defendant and urged the court to activate the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015 to proceed with the case in Ibrahim’s absence.

Justice Halilu, however, said that the court noted that at the last sitting, Ibrahim was present in court, adding that the court was hearing for the first time about his (Ibrahim’s) alleged offence in Calabar.

The judge added that in the interest of justice, the 19th defendant should be given one last chance to appear before the court for the trial, failure of which the court proceed with the matter in his absence.

Based on agreement of parties, Justice Halilu subsequently adjourned the case to May 19 for definite hearing.

On January 27, when the matter came up last, the absence of the second prosecution witness (PW2), Williams Akporeha, who is NUPENG President, stalled hearing. He was said to have been out of the country was unable to be in court as a result of his flight delay due to bad weather.

Akporeha had on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 while testifying against the defendants narrated before the court how attempts were made on his life and those of Afolabi and Egbon on November 1, 2023, declaring that he was afraid for his life.

According to him, while he narrowly escaped being lynched by the defendants, both Afolabi and Egbon were not that lucky as they were thoroughly dealt with by the defendants before the arrival of policemen from Utako Police Station.

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

In a bold step towards unlocking Kogi State’s vast potential, the Executive Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Sule Salihu Enehe, has today unveiled the implementation of the Land Use Charge Law, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionize the state’s revenue generation, paving the way for sustainable development and a brighter future for all Kogites.

According to Enehe, the Land Use Charge is not just a levy, but a strategic investment to enhance better infrastructure, improved public services, and a greater future for all residents . This legislation he said, is a crucial step towards enhancing revenue generation for governments, fostering data-driven decision-making, and creating jobs in Kogi State.

According to him, the event marks a pivotal step in strengthening the revenue base for sustainable development.

Enehe further revealed that the ongoing tax reforms aim to streamline revenue collection, promote transparency, and ensure that all stakeholders contribute their fair share towards the state’s development. By embracing the Land Use Charge, Kogites will be empowering the government to deliver more impactful projects that will benefit businesses, communities, and future generations.

In his words , “The Land Use Charge is not just a levy, it is an investment to better infrastructure, improved public services. and a greater future for all Kogi residents.

“This legislation is a crucial step towards enhancing revenue generation for our governments, fostering data-driven decision-making, and paving the way for the development of smart cities and job creation in Kogi State.

“The implementation of this law will yield numerous benefits for our stakeholders and for the state at large even as I urge you all to join forces with us to make this initiative a resounding success

“A well-structured revenue system is the foundation of good governance. By embracing the Land Use Charge, you are helping to empower the government to deliver more impactful projects that will benefit businesses, communities, and future generations.”

“Together, we can unlock Kogi State’s vast potential and create a brighter future for our citizens.

“With the successful launch of the Land Use Charge Demand Notice today, we are reaffirming our commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficiency in revenue administration. Together, we will build a more prosperous Kogi State.

“As we move forward, I crave your patience and understanding as we make a practical demonstration of how assessments will be raised” he said

As the state begins to reap the benefits of this initiative, it is essential for all stakeholders to join forces and support the successful implementation of the Land Use Charge Law. Together, we can unlock Kogi State’s vast potential and create a more prosperous future for our citizens.

With the successful launch of the Land Use Charge Demand Notice, the state government reaffirms its commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficiency in revenue administration.

Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers on Wednesday locked Governor Siminalayi Fubara from entering the Assembly quarters where plenary was taking place.

On Tuesday, the lawmakers were invited for a meeting on the order of the governor, but they shunned the invitation.

Fubara has expressed his readiness to implement the Supreme Court judgment that reinstated the lawmakers and declaring the 2025 budget null and void, which he was to present the budget before the Assembly on Wednesday.

The Governor arrived arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget, but the gate was locked, preventing his entry, which was believed to have been locked by security agents on the order of the Speaker, Rt. Martin Amaewhule.

CAPITAL POST was studying the development, though Fubara said he communicated his coming to Speaker Martins Amaewhule through a letter and has tried to call him on the phone since Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to fully implementing the recent Supreme Court judgment, emphasizing that his administration will adhere strictly to the ruling.

Fubara made this declaration on Tuesday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the New Judges’ Quarters, built by his administration in the Old GRA area of the state capital.

The governor stressed that no personal ambition or political dispute should supersede the collective peace and stability of Rivers State, stating that no sacrifice is too great for peace.

The governor acknowledged that the past 16 months had been rough for his government, saying that he would leave office one day but that his good work would speak for him.

He said since the crisis started, a lot of money and resources that should have been channelled to the development of the state had been wasted by both sides