The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a senior official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Samsideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shamelon, over allegations of murder and the brutal assault of a dispatch rider on Lagos Island.
The 55-year-old union leader was taken into custody following violent protests at the Sandgrouse Market, where angry residents set two of his motorcycles ablaze after news of the incidents spread.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, noting that the State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally led officers to the scene to restore calm and prevent further unrest.
“The suspect is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, for discreet investigation,” Oluseyi said.
Two Separate Attacks Linked to Suspect
Police investigations revealed that on September 17, 2025, Oladiti allegedly assaulted a dispatch rider on Lagos Island using a helmet and his fists. The victim sustained serious injuries, was rushed to the hospital, and is currently on oxygen receiving treatment.
In another case reported earlier, Oladiti was accused of attacking a man during an altercation on August 28, 2025, striking him repeatedly on the head and face with a metallic ring. Despite medical treatment, the victim died on September 17, 2025. His body has since been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Police Appeal for Calm
The Lagos Police Command assured residents that justice would be served, urging the public not to take the law into their own hands.
Commissioner Jimoh stressed the importance of allowing investigations to run their course, promising that the suspect will be prosecuted if found guilty.
NURTW Distances Itself
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Chairman of NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), has distanced the union from Oladiti’s actions, stating that the organisation does not condone violence.
“This incident has left me bitter and disappointed. I urge law enforcement officers to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. If found guilty, he will not only face the law but also the union’s disciplinary process,” Adekunle said.
He further warned members of the union that no amount of loyalty or closeness to him would shield anyone from the consequences of unlawful behaviour.
