The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a prominent National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chieftain, Samsideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shamelon, over the alleged murder of a dispatch rider.
The 55-year-old union leader was arraigned on Tuesday at Ebute Metta Magistrate Court 2 after his arrest linked him to violent assaults that turned deadly.
According to the police, Oladiti allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island using a helmet and his fists, inflicting severe injuries.
The victim was rushed to hospital, placed on oxygen, and is still receiving medical treatment.
The police also connected him to an earlier violent attack on August 28, 2025, which later resulted in a man’s death.
In that case, Oladiti was accused of repeatedly striking the victim with a metallic ring on the head and face, injuries that proved fatal on September 17.
News of the death sparked anger in Lagos Island, leading to a violent protest at Sandgrouse Market where Oladiti’s office is located.
Sympathisers of the deceased mobilised, set two motorcycles belonging to the suspect ablaze, and triggered unrest in the area.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the events in a statement on X, writing: “Following news of the death, sympathisers of the deceased mobilised and staged a violent protest at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, setting two motorcycles belonging to the suspect ablaze and causing unrest in the area.”
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally intervened during the protest to restore order and ensure the suspect’s arrest. The police have opened two separate cases against Oladiti: one for the alleged murder and another for assault causing grievous harm.
Oluseyi explained further: “On 17th September 2025 at about 3:00 pm, the suspect allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, using a helmet and fists to inflict serious bodily injury (on him). The victim (dispatch rider) was rushed to the hospital, placed on oxygen, and is currently receiving medical treatment.”
He added: “On 18th September 2025, at about 11:00 am, another complaint was lodged against the same suspect in connection with an incident that occurred on 28th August 2025. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike a man on the head and face, inflicting severe injuries. Despite medical intervention, the victim was confirmed dead by a doctor on 17th September 2025. His body has since been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.”
