…World Institute for Peace Petitions IGP

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, has reacted to the arrest of a union member accused of brutally assaulting a dispatch rider on Tapa Street, Lagos Island, an attack that reportedly led to the victim’s death.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Adekunle expressed shock and disappointment over the alleged actions of the member, stressing that such conduct was personal and did not represent the values of the NURTW.

“While I once trusted his loyalty, I was deeply bitter and disappointed that he could engage in such acts. I want to make it clear that all his actions are his own and do not represent the NURTW in any way,” Adekunle said.

He called on law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation and disclosed that the union would initiate internal disciplinary measures once the legal process is completed.

The NURTW chairman extended condolences to the family of the deceased rider, assuring them of the union’s support. He also cautioned bloggers and social media users against linking him personally to the incident, describing such reports as “misleading and unfair.”

Meanwhile, the World Institute for Peace has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding the immediate arrest and investigation of the suspect, identified as Shamsideen Adio, popularly known as “Shamelon.”

In the petition dated September 18, 2025, and addressed to the IGP through Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the group alleged that Adio and his associates “mercilessly beat a dispatch rider to a pulp” on September 17, 2025, after the rider reportedly obstructed his vehicle.

The organization further alleged that Adio has a record of violent behavior, including an earlier assault on a tricycle operator, Mr. Adeshina Rahman Imam, who later died from injuries allegedly inflicted during the attack.

Describing the situation as a “cry for justice,” the group called for urgent police action within 48 hours, including the arrest of Adio and others involved, preservation of CCTV and medical evidence, provision of medical care for the victim, and protection for witnesses.

“We urge decisive and transparent action to reassure the public that violent vigilantism will not be tolerated and that those who break the law will be held accountable,” the petition, signed by Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace, stated.

The letter was copied to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, and the national and state leadership of the NURTW.