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 Shamelon, over alleged assault and murder.
The command said the 55-year-old is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, where investigations are ongoing.
Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi said on Wednesday at about 3:00 p.m., the suspect allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, hitting him with a helmet and fists.
The rider, who sustained injuries, is currently receiving treatment in hospital with the aid of oxygen
The police added that a separate complaint was lodged earlier over an incident on August 28, when Mr Oladiti allegedly struck another man with a metallic ring during a fight.
The man later died on Wednesday and his body has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.
Following news of the death, protesters stormed Oladiti’s office at Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island and set two motorcycles ablaze.
The commissioner of police, Olohundare Jimoh, led officers to the scene to restore order.
The commissioner said the suspect remains in custody and will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
Meanwhile, the human rights group World Institute for Peace (WIP) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun calling for further investigation into the alleged assault of the dispatch rider.
In the petition, signed by WIP official Lamina Omotoyosi, the group alleged that Oladiti, also known as Shamsideen Adio, attacked the rider after his vehicle was obstructed.
The group also called for urgent steps to preserve evidence, protect the victim and witnesses and prosecute those involved.
The petition was copied to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos State Attorney-General and the leadership of the NURTW.