Lagos NURTW official arrested for beating dispatch rider to death

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos State, Shamsideen Adio, for allegedly beating a dispatch rider to death in the Tapa Street, Lagos Island area of the state.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that a scuffle had ensued between Adio and the dispatch rider over allegations that the latter had scratched the former’s vehicle.

A journalist and Facebook user, Chris Nwandu, who shared a video of the incident on Thursday, disclosed that it happened on Wednesday.

According to Nwandu, the situation degenerated when Adio, joined by his colleagues, descended on the dispatch rider and allegedly beat him to a pulp.

He said, “A popular Lagos Island NURTW top official by the name Shamsideen Adio mercilessly beat a dispatch rider to a pulp on Wednesday in Tapa Street, Lagos Island, for obstructing his way while driving on the road.

“He was joined by his other friends and colleagues, battering the poor guy as they liked. We are reliably informed that he’s notorious for beating Marwa (tricycle) operators to a pulp whenever they offend him.

“It was reported that a few days ago, he also dealt deadly blows to a Marwa operator who ended up in the general hospital.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for comment on the matter on Thursday as her number was unreachable as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, a police officer in the area, privy to the incident, confirmed that the victim died from injuries sustained from the beating.

The source disclosed that the suspect was, however, arrested following the incident.

“The victim died from the injuries and the suspect has been arrested. He is now at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the source said.

PUNCH Metro reported in February that the Ogun State Police Command arraigned the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, before a magistrates’ court sitting in the Ifo area of the state on three counts bordering on conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Ogunjobi had become an Internet sensation after he assaulted a 70-year-old chief.(Punch)