Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization led a protest yesterday in Kaduna demanding justice for Mr. Thompson Emmanuel, who was allegedly assaulted and detained following a dispute with his former employer at a Turkish company operating within the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) complex.
According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred on October 25, 2024, when he approached the Personnel Manager of Motech United Industry Limited, Mr. Gencayl, to discuss outstanding payments following his disengagement from the company. Emmanuel, who worked as a welder for the KRPC maintenance contractor, claims the situation escalated into violence.
“I went to discuss my pending payments with him, but he questioned why I was in his office,” Emmanuel recounted. “After an argument erupted, he struck my head repeatedly with a helmet.” The assault allegedly resulted in head injuries and trauma to one of Emmanuel’s eyes.
Rather than providing medical attention, Emmanuel alleges that the company handed him over to DSS (Department of State Services) personnel stationed at the facility. “I couldn’t afford proper hospital treatment and had to resort to getting basic care from a local chemist,” Emmanuel said, explaining his decision to seek help from Eagle Brain.
The protesters, carrying placards with messages such as “You must respect the rights of our citizens” and “Justice must be served,” were eventually granted access to the KRPC compound for discussions with management.
Mr. Daniel Ejembi, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Brain, spoke to journalists after meeting with company officials. “We became involved after Mr. Emmanuel reported this violation of his rights,” Ejembi stated. “Our organization is demanding appropriate compensation for the victim and ensuring that justice is served.”
According to Ejembi, the company has agreed to provide medical treatment for Emmanuel and is considering their demands, while also requesting leniency for their staff member. “While we await the fulfillment of their promises, we are pursuing legal action to ensure accountability,” he added. “We want this case to serve as a deterrent against the victimization of workers.”
Attempts to reach Motech United Industry Limited for comment were unsuccessful, as security personnel denied media access to the KRPC premises.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of local workers by foreign companies operating in Nigeria, with Eagle Brain emphasizing the need for better protection of workers’ rights and proper grievance resolution mechanisms.
