Democratic Socialist Movement

For Struggle, Solidarity and Socialism in Nigeria

By - DSM

Sumal Foods. Ibadan: Police vs Abbey Trotsky –

Court Did Not Sit – Matter Adjourned to May 11, 2026

Abbey Trotsky and supporters outside the court building after the hearing did not take place

The criminal case instituted by the Nigeria Police, at the instance of Sumal Foods Limited, Ibadan, against Abbey Trotsky was scheduled for continuation of trial on March 6, 2026 at Magistrate Court Iyaganku. Ibadan. Abbey Trotsky, accompanied by his counsel and activists, arrived at the court premises as early as 8:00 am, prepared for the proceedings. However, the magistrate was not in attendance and the court did not sit. Consequently, the matter was adjourned to May 11, 2026.

It was also observed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were present in court. Their presence, alongside their open interaction with representatives of Sumal Foods Limited who were also in court and indeed the matter itself further underscore the fact that the state and bosses work hand in hand to enslave workers in order to provide condition for super profits. It should be recalled that this case in court is as result of the support which Abbey and the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) gave to the casual workers of Sumal Foods fighting for better pay and decent condition in 2018. So, the case is meant to serve as deterrent to the struggle against casualization and other anti-labour practices

We deeply appreciate the solidarity shown by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Oyo State Council, Comrade Kayode Martins; the Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), and Comrade Omoregie, Convener of the Centre for Popular Education (CEPED), University of Ibadan branch, who stood with us in court today.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) for the continued international solidarity being rendered to this campaign, as well as to the various civil society organisations and activists who have consistently supported the struggle locally.

In addition, we acknowledge and appreciate Citipoint Chambers and other lawyers who provide free legal services and stand firmly in defense of justice and workers’ rights in this matter.

The adjournment further shows that the struggle is far from over. We therefore appeal for broader support and solidarity, both nationally and internationally, as we continue our campaign  against casualisation and all other forms of indecent labour practices in workplaces.

Yusuf Salaudeen

For the CDWR

Email: [email protected]