The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a prominent National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader, Shamsideen Oladiti (aka Shamelon), on charges of assault and murder.
According to Police Spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi, the 55-year-old suspect is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti-Yaba as investigations proceed.
The incident began on Wednesday afternoon when Oladiti allegedly assaulted a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, striking him with a helmet and his fists. The victim sustained severe injuries and is currently hospitalised, relying on oxygen support.
This event triggered further investigations into a separate, earlier complaint against Oladiti. It was revealed that on August 28, the NURTW leader was allegedly involved in a physical altercation during which he struck another man with a metallic ring. That victim succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, coinciding with the new assault. His body has been moved to the morgue for an autopsy.
News of the death sparked immediate outrage. Protesters gathered at Oladiti’s office in the Sandgrouse Market on Lagos Island, setting two motorcycles ablaze. The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a team of officers to the scene to quell the unrest and restore order.
Commissioner Jimoh assured the public that the suspect remains in custody and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of the police investigation. He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
In a related development, the human rights organization World Institute for Peace (WIP) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. In the petition, WIP alleges that Oladiti (also known as Shamsideen Adio) attacked the dispatch rider after his vehicle was momentarily obstructed. The group is calling for urgent measures to preserve evidence, protect the victim and witnesses, and ensure the prosecution of all involved parties.
The petition was also sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State
Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.