The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Shamsideen Adio, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for allegedly beating a dispatch rider to death in Lagos Island.
The incident occurred on Wednesday along Tapa Street, Lagos Island, following a disagreement between Adio and the yet-to-be-identified rider. Reports indicate the altercation began after allegations that the rider had scratched Adio’s vehicle while navigating through the busy road.
Eyewitnesses claim the argument quickly escalated into violence when Adio, assisted by colleagues, descended on the dispatch rider with brutal force. Despite efforts by onlookers to intervene, the victim was reportedly left unconscious and later confirmed dead.
A journalist and Facebook user, Chris Nwandu, shared a video of the attack online. In his post, he alleged that Adio is notorious for violence against transport operators, particularly commercial tricycle drivers, known locally as Marwa operators.
According to Nwandu, the rider was mercilessly beaten “to a pulp” after obstructing Adio’s vehicle. He further alleged that Adio had, only days earlier, assaulted another tricycle operator so severely that the victim required hospital admission.
“The situation has gone beyond just this single incident,” Nwandu wrote. “We are reliably informed that he is feared in the area for his frequent attacks on road users.”
Confirming the development, Lagos State Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the matter is under investigation and that Adio has been taken into custody. Hundeyin assured the public that justice will be pursued and that violent acts such as this will not be tolerated.
He said: “The suspect has been arrested and investigations are ongoing. We want to reassure the public that the command is committed to ensuring accountability and justice in this case.”
The tragic event has sparked outrage among Lagos residents and on social media, where many users expressed concerns about the growing menace of violent behavior linked to certain members of the NURTW.
Calls are mounting for authorities to enforce stricter regulations within the transport union to prevent future incidents of unchecked violence. Civic groups and residents alike have demanded transparency in the police investigation and swift prosecution of the suspect.
As investigations continue, the identity of the deceased rider is yet to be officially released, while his family is reportedly receiving support from community members and transport unions.
The arrest of Adio has brought renewed attention to the role of the NURTW in Lagos transport activities and the ongoing calls for reform within the sector.
The Lagos State Police Command has urged eyewitnesses and those with relevant information to come forward to aid the investigation.
