The Lagos State Police Command has taken into custody Samsideen Oladiti, a 55-year-old leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, widely known as “Shamelon,” following allegations of murder and violent assault on Lagos Island.
According to police reports, Oladiti is linked to two separate incidents. In August, he allegedly struck a man multiple times with a metallic ring during an altercation, causing severe injuries. Despite medical efforts, the victim later died in September, and his body has been placed in a mortuary for autopsy.
In another case that occurred on September 17, Oladiti was accused of attacking a dispatch rider using a helmet and his fists. The rider sustained serious injuries, was rushed to the hospital, and placed on oxygen, where he is still receiving treatment.
The two incidents triggered outrage among residents. Following news of the victim’s death, sympathisers stormed Oladiti’s office at Sandgrouse Market in Lagos Island, setting fire to two of his motorcycles and sparking unrest. Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh personally led officers to the scene, restoring order and assuring residents that the suspect would face prosecution after investigations.
Police confirmed that Oladiti has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti-Yaba for further interrogation and a discreet probe into the cases. Authorities also appealed to residents to remain calm and allow justice to take its course.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State chairman of NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle, also known as Sego, has distanced the union from the acts attributed to Oladiti. He stated that the NURTW does not tolerate violence or unlawful activity and called for a fair and thorough investigation. Adekunle further noted that if the suspect is found guilty, he would also face internal disciplinary measures from the union after the conclusion of the legal process.
He reminded union members that no individual, regardless of loyalty or closeness to leadership, would be shielded from the consequences of misconduct.