The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Samsideen Oladiti, a key official of the state’s National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, on charges of murder and violent assault on a dispatch rider.
The 55-year-old guy identified as ‘Shamelon’ has been linked to two violent crimes on Lagos Island: one involving murder and the other involving assault that caused harm to the victim.
According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command’s deputy spokesman on X, Babaseyi Oluseyi, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, responded to a demonstration at the Sandgrouse Market by arresting the suspect in connection with murder and assault.
He wrote, “Following news of the death, sympathizers of the deceased mobilized and staged a violent protest at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, setting two motorcycles belonging to the suspect ablaze and causing unrest in the area.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, personally led police personnel to the scene.
“He swiftly restored calm, prevented further breakdown of law and order, and assured residents that the suspect is in custody and will be promptly prosecuted after investigations are concluded.”
Oluseyi claimed that the NURTW official was turned over to the State Criminal Inquiry Department for further inquiry.
He stated, “The suspect is currently in the custody of the SCID, Panti-Yaba, for discreet investigation.”
Explaining the murder and assault, the deputy spokesperson said, “On 17th September 2025 at about 3:00pm, the suspect allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, using a helmet and fists to inflict serious bodily injury (on him). The victim (dispatch rider) was rushed to the hospital, placed on oxygen, and is currently receiving medical treatment.”
In August, police said the suspect assaulted a man who later died.
Oluseyi narrated, “On 18th September 2025, at about 11:00 am, another complaint was lodged against the same suspect in connection with an incident that occurred on 28th August 2025.
“During the altercation, the suspect allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike a man on the head and face, inflicting severe injuries. Despite medical intervention, the victim was confirmed dead by a doctor on 17th September 2025. His body has since been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.”
The police made an appeal to residents, assuring them that justice would be duly served.
She wrote, “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that justice will be diligently pursued in all the cases against the suspect.
“Jimoh further appeals to residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and not to take the law into their own hands. He enjoins them to cooperate fully with the police in the ongoing investigations.”
Meanwhile, the state chairman of NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle, often known as Sego, has distanced the union from Oladiti’s conduct, emphasizing that the “NURTW does not condone violence or any unlawful activity.”
Adekunle said in a statement on Friday that while he had previously trusted Oladiti’s loyalty, the experience had left him “bitter and disappointed.”
He asked security forces to conduct a thorough and fair investigation, stating that if proven guilty, the suspect would face the union’s internal disciplinary procedures once the legal process was completed.
“I urge law enforcement officers to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.
“Once the legal process is complete, he will also face the union’s internal disciplinary procedures. As I have always stated, the NURTW does not condone violence or any unlawful acts,” Adekunle said.
