All is not well in the house of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) heads by Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle who is popularly known as (Sego).
The Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), has reacted to the recent violent incidents involving union member Shamsideen Adio, popularly known as “Shamelon”, who allegedly brutalized a dispatch rider and fatally assaulted Adeshina Rahman on Lagos Island.
In a formal statement made available , Sego confirmed that the embattled NURTW member, who was once regarded as his loyalist, has been arrested in connection with the tragic incidents. He, however, distanced the union from the acts, stressing that Shamelon’s actions were personal and do not represent 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,” Sego declared.
The Chairman called on law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation, assuring that the suspect would also face the union’s internal disciplinary measures once the legal process is completed.
Reiterating the union’s stance against lawlessness, Sego stated:
“The NURTW does not condone violence or any unlawful acts. No matter the closeness or loyalty of any member, I will not support maltreatment or unlawful conduct.”
More so, Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Shamsideen Adio, for allegedly beating the dispatch rider to death in the Tapa Street, Lagos Island , Lagos State.
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.
Nevertheless, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego) further extended his condolences to the family of the late Adeshina Rahman, promising that the Lagos State NURTW will provide support to victims within its capacity to help them through the painful period.
The NURTW boss reaffirmed the union’s commitment to law, order, and the safety of Lagos residents, adding that the incident should serve as a warning to members that indiscipline and violence will not be tolerated.
