September 18, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded on Tapa Street, Lagos Island, Nigeria, resulting in the death of a dispatch rider following a violent altercation with a senior official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The suspect, Shamsideen Adio, also known as “Shamelon,” is a prominent figure within the NURTW and reportedly a known enforcer in the Lagos Island area. The confrontation began over a minor issue a scratch on Adio’s vehicle allegedly caused by the rider’s motorcycle. What started as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into a brutal assault, drawing significant attention due to its severity and the prominence of the individuals involved.

According to eyewitness accounts, Adio confronted the dispatch rider, and the situation rapidly deteriorated. Adio allegedly punched the rider repeatedly, with some reports indicating that his colleagues joined in the attack. A video circulating on social media captured the shocking brutality, showing the rider collapsing under the barrage of blows. Despite being rushed to a hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The Lagos State Police Command acted swiftly, arresting Adio, who is now detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

While no official statement has been released by the police spokesperson, a senior officer confirmed the details of the incident. The death of the dispatch rider has ignited widespread outrage, particularly on social media, where Nigerians have condemned the actions of Adio and highlighted the broader issue of NURTW’s influence in Lagos. The union has long been criticized for its members’ alleged impunity, with dispatch riders, who play a critical role in navigating Lagos’s congested roads for deliveries, frequently facing harassment from transport unions. Activists have seized the moment to petition the Inspector General of Police, demanding swift justice and systemic reforms within the NURTW to curb such violence.