UPDATE ON ABBEY TROTSKY’S COURT CASE: Prosecution Witness Testimony Weakens Charges

We Appeal for more National and International Solidarity as Matter Adjourned till September 12, 2025

On Monday, August 11, 2025, the criminal charge brought against Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye, a labour and socialist activist popularly known as Abbey Trotsky, by the Nigeria Police, acting at the behest of the management of Sumal Foods Limited, Ibadan, came up for hearing once again. It will be recalled that this case arises from the support and solidarity of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) to the struggle of workers against casualization and exploitative working conditions at Sumal Foods Limited in October 2018.

During Monday’s proceedings, the second prosecution witness, a former casual worker at the company in 2018, later converted to permanent staff  apparently as part of a strategy to turn him against Abbey Trotsky, was called for cross-examination.

Under a thorough and probing interrogation by the defence counsel,  Mr. Oluwatomiloba Olagunju Esq., the witness repeatedly contradicted himself, and was compelled to admit in open court that:

-The protest in question was not masterminded by Abbey Trotsky, contrary to the company’s claims.

-Abbey Trotsky did not assault anyone during the protest.

-He was not involved in the destruction of any property.

These revelations further undermine the credibility of the charges and expose what appears to be a calculated attempt by the company to silence Abbey Trotsky and suppress the workers’ fight for fair treatment. Following this testimony, the police prosecutor hastily informed the court that their third witness was not yet adequately prepared for cross-examination. Consequently, the presiding magistrate adjourned the matter until September 12, 2025, for the continuation of hearing.

The CDWR expresses its gratitude to Citipoint Chambers,  who are rendering legal representation pro bono, all organisations and comrades who  stand in solidarity, particularly Dr. Sola Omoregie, Convener of the Centre for Popular Education (CEPED), University of Ibadan branch, who was in court on Monday, as well as reporters from Dominion TV and other media outlets who covered the proceedings. Finally, we call for increased national and international solidarity to ensure that justice is served, not only for Abbey Trotsky, but for all workers resisting exploitation and casualization.

Yusuf Salaudeen

For the CDWR

E-mail: [email protected]