NURTW Leader, Shameleon to Face Trial Over Assault, Murder of Dispatch Rider in Lagos

A senior member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamsideen Adio, widely known as Shameleon, is set to be arraigned in court on Friday following allegations that he was involved in the death of a dispatch rider during a violent altercation in Lagos Island.

Adio, 55, was arrested after a heated confrontation that occurred on September 17, 2025, along Tapa Street. 

Witnesses claimed the clash began after the rider reportedly scratched the union leader’s vehicle, sparking a brutal assault that ended tragically.

According to onlookers, the victim was struck multiple times with a helmet and punched repeatedly until he collapsed on the street. 

He was rushed to the hospital by concerned passersby but was later confirmed dead from the injuries sustained in the attack.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed Adio’s detention, noting that he is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba. 

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Bababseyi Oluseyi, told reporters that the matter would be charged to court without delay.

“The suspect will be arraigned on Friday to answer to the allegations against him. The case is being handled with the seriousness it deserves,” Oluseyi said.

The case has since sparked public outrage and caught the attention of lawmakers in Lagos State. The House of Assembly announced it was closely monitoring the matter to ensure justice is served.

Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Adewale Adedeji, condemned the killing, describing it as a crime against humanity and a stark reminder of abuse of power.

“It is unthinkable that a man who left home to make an honest living would not return because another individual chose violence over dialogue,” Adedeji said. 

“The value of human life must never be taken for granted, and this case must send a clear signal that no one is above the law.”

Civil society groups and transport unions have also begun calling for stricter measures to curb violence among road transport workers, warning that repeated incidents like this undermine public safety in Lagos.