Amanze Chinonye
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Shamsideen Oladiti, a 55-year-old Lagos Island transport leader popularly known as Shameleon, on allegations of murder and assault that have sparked public outrage and violent protests in the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Police confirmed that Oladiti, a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) boss, is currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, where investigations into two separate attacks are ongoing.
Two Violent Attacks, One Fatality
According to police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi, Oladiti is accused of carrying out two brutal assaults.
- August 28, 2025: Oladiti allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike a man during an altercation on Lagos Island. Despite receiving medical care, the victim succumbed to his injuries on September 17.
- September 17, 2025: At about 3:00 p.m., Oladiti allegedly attacked a dispatch rider with a helmet and his fists, leaving the victim critically injured. Police confirmed the rider is still alive but remains on oxygen at a hospital.
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The death of the August victim triggered a protest at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, where sympathisers of the deceased set two of Oladiti’s motorcycles ablaze before police restored order.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led mobile policemen, tactical squads, and conventional officers to the scene to disperse the crowd and prevent further chaos. He assured residents that Oladiti remains in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are complete.
NURTW Chairman Condemns Violence
Reacting to the incident, Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), issued a statement condemning the attack and distancing the union from the suspect’s actions.
“While I once trusted his loyalty, I was deeply bitter and disappointed that he could engage in such acts,” Adekunle said. “I want to make it clear that all his actions are his own and do not represent the NURTW in any way.”
Adekunle urged the police to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation” and vowed that Oladiti would face internal disciplinary action once the legal process is concluded. He also expressed condolences to the deceased victim’s family and offered limited assistance to them.
The case highlights persistent concerns about violence and impunity within Lagos transport unions, which wield significant economic and political influence. Despite repeated government crackdowns and promises of reform, incidents of assault and extortion by transport workers continue to plague the state.
Analysts warn that without stronger enforcement of safety and accountability measures, such violence threatens public confidence in both the NURTW and law enforcement agencies especially as dispatch riders and other informal workers play a critical role in Lagos’ fast-growing logistics and e-commerce economy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
