Lagos NURTW member arrest confirmed after dispatch rider died from injuries sustained in a fatal beating on Tapa Street, Lagos Island
The suspect, identified as Shamsideen Adio of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, was apprehended following the incident, which took place on Wednesday along Tapa Street.
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Reports indicate that a scuffle broke out after Adio accused the rider of scratching his vehicle. The confrontation escalated when Adio, allegedly joined by colleagues, launched a brutal assault on the victim.
Journalist Chris Nwandu, who shared a video of the incident on Facebook, described Adio as notorious for violence against transport workers.
“He was joined by his friends and colleagues, battering the poor guy as they liked. We are reliably informed he’s notorious for beating Marwa operators whenever they offend him,” Nwandu wrote.
According to a police officer familiar with the case, the dispatch rider later succumbed to his injuries. “The victim died from the injuries and the suspect has been arrested.
He is now at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the officer said.
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful as her phone was switched off at the time of reporting.
The case echoes other high-profile assault cases in Nigeria, including the arraignment earlier this year of Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, for conspiracy and assault after allegedly attacking a 70-year-old chief.
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Adio’s arrest is expected to raise further questions about violence and accountability within transport unions in Lagos.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
