Police Arraign NURTW Chieftain Over Alleged Murder Of Dispatch Rider

A leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamusideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shameleon, has been arraigned before the Ebute-Metta Magistrates’ Court in Yaba over the alleged murder of a dispatch rider.

Oladiti, aged 55, was charged with three counts bordering on murder, conspiracy, and grievous harm.

According to the charge sheet, the offences were committed between 27 August and 17 September, within the Lagos Island Magisterial District.

The prosecution told the court that Oladiti, alongside others still at large, allegedly assaulted two men: Imam Ramon and Omale Samuel, with fist blows, resulting in serious injuries. Ramon was later rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina, where he died.

The offences, the court heard, contravene Sections 223, 411, and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Reports indicate that the altercation began after the deceased was accused of scratching Oladiti’s vehicle along Tapa Street, Lagos Island.

Eyewitnesses alleged that Oladiti and his associates repeatedly struck the dispatch rider with a helmet and fists until he collapsed. He was subsequently taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Oladiti pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him in court.

The presiding magistrate ordered that he be remanded pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).