Police arrest Lagos Island NURTW boss over alleged assault, murder

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader on Lagos Island, Shamsideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shameleon, over allegations of assault and murder.

According to the command, the 55-year-old suspect is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, where investigations are ongoing.

On September 17, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m., Oladiti allegedly attacked a dispatch rider in Lagos Island, using a helmet and his fists to inflict serious injuries. 

The victim, who was rushed to hospital, is on oxygen and receiving treatment.

Police also disclosed that Oladiti had been linked to an earlier incident on August 28, 2025, when he allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike another man on the head and face. Despite medical treatment, the victim died on September 17, and his remains have been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

The victim’s death triggered protests at Oladiti’s office in Sandgrouse Market, where sympathisers of the deceased set two of his motorcycles ablaze, sparking tension in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led mobile policemen, tactical squads, and conventional officers to the scene to restore order. He assured residents that the suspect remains in custody and will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

“The suspect is in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. We urge Lagos residents to remain calm and law-abiding, as the command is committed to ensuring justice,” the CP stated.

The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, clarified that the dispatch rider beaten on September 17 is still alive, contrary to some reports.

She said: “We have confirmed from the family that he is still alive. He is not dead, although he is currently breathing with the aid of oxygen. The one who died passed on September 17. He was also beaten by Oladiti on August 28 but died on Wednesday, September 17.”
Source: The Nation