Lagos police arrest NURTW leader over assault, murder allegations

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in connection with cases of alleged assault and murder.

The suspect, widely known by his alias “Shameleon,” is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, where detectives are carrying out discreet investigations into the two separate incidents.

The 55-year-old man, identified as Samsideen Oladiti, reportedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island using a helmet and his fists, leaving the victim with serious injuries. The victim, who was rushed to the hospital, is currently on oxygen and still receiving medical care.

“The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Samsideen Oladiti ‘m’, popularly known as ‘Shameleon’, aged 55, in connection with two violent crimes on Lagos Island involving a case of murder and another of assault occasioning harm,” said the Command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi.

“The suspect is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, for discreet investigation.”

Oluseyi also revealed that an earlier complaint had been filed against the suspect following an incident on August 28, 2025. During the altercation, Adio allegedly struck another man repeatedly on the head and face with a metallic ring, leaving him with severe injuries. Despite medical attention, the victim passed away on September 17, 2025, and his body has since been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

The man’s death reportedly sparked protests at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, where sympathisers of the deceased set two of Adio’s motorcycles on fire, escalating tensions in the area.

Concerned by the unrest, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, 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 face prosecution once investigations are concluded.