The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) member, Shamsideen Adio, for allegedly assaulting a dispatch rider to death on Tapa Street, Lagos Island.
The incident occurred on Wednesday following a dispute between Adio and the rider, who was accused of scratching Adio’s vehicle. Witnesses said the altercation escalated when Adio, aided by colleagues, allegedly beat the rider until he collapsed.
Journalist Chris Nwandu, who shared a video of the attack on Facebook, claimed Adio is notorious for violent behavior. He alleged that the NURTW official had previously assaulted tricycle operators in the area, with one victim reportedly hospitalised after a recent beating.
A police officer familiar with the case confirmed that the rider died from his injuries. “The victim died from the injuries and the suspect has been arrested. He is now at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, for official comment were unsuccessful as her phone line was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
The case adds to recent concerns about violent assaults involving transport workers and community leaders. In February, the Ogun State Police Command arraigned suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, over a separate case of alleged assault and breach of peace.
