The criminal case against labour and socialist activist, Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye, popularly known as Abbey Trotsky, took a dramatic turn on Monday after a key prosecution witness undermined the charges during cross-examination.
In a statement by Yusuf Salaudeen, for the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), Bamigboye, a leading member of the CDWR, is facing charges brought by the Nigeria Police on the request of Sumal Foods Limited, Ibadan. The case stems from his involvement in workers’ protests against casualisation and poor working conditions at the company in October 2018.
At the August 11 hearing, the second prosecution witness, a former casual worker at Sumal who later became a permanent staff member admitted under questioning by defence lawyer Oluwatomiloba Olagunju (Citipoint Chambers) that:
-Abbey Trotsky did not organise the protest in question.
– He did not assault anyone during the demonstration.
– He was not involved in destroying any property.
These statements, contradicting earlier claims by the company, were seen by supporters as further weakening the prosecution’s case and exposing what they described as an attempt to intimidate the activist and suppress workers’ rights advocacy.
Following the testimony, the police prosecutor requested an adjournment, saying their next witness was not ready for cross-examination. The presiding magistrate subsequently moved the hearing to September 12, 2025.
The CDWR, in the statement, thanked its legal team for offering pro bono representation, as well as individuals and organisations standing in solidarity including Dr. Sola Omoregie of the Centre for Popular Education (CEPED), University of Ibadan branch, and media outlets such as Dominion TV.
It also renewed its call for increased national and international solidarity to ensure justice for Abbey Trotsky and all workers resisting exploitation and casualisation in Nigeria.
