The Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly denounced the fatal assault on a dispatch rider, reportedly beaten to death by a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and his cohorts on Lagos Island.
The legislators have called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.
This information was shared by Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation.
The tragic event took place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Tapa Street, Lagos Island, and was captured in videos that quickly spread across social media platforms.
The recordings reveal Shamsideen Adio, a NURTW member, relentlessly attacking the dispatch rider, even after the victim had lost consciousness and bystanders attempted to revive him.
Adedeji condemned the behavior as “cruel, disgraceful, inhumane, and deeply distressing,” emphasizing that the perpetrator and his accomplices must be held fully accountable under the law.
“I have seen the disturbing video circulating since Thursday, September 18, 2025, which shows how Shamsideen Adio, alongside others, extinguished the life of a dispatch rider on Lagos Island,” Adedeji stated on Friday.
“The footage clearly shows that despite the victim losing consciousness and efforts to resuscitate him, Shamsideen persisted in his violent assault. Regardless of any provocation, such brutality is utterly unacceptable,” he added.
The lawmaker expressed sorrow over the blatant disregard for human dignity and life demonstrated by the incident.
“It is unfathomable how someone could attack another human being to the point of death, forgetting that every individual possesses equal rights and deserves respect. Imagine a hardworking dispatch rider leaving home to earn a livelihood, only to never return because someone believed they were above the law,” he lamented.
Adedeji urged that the case be prosecuted rigorously to serve as a deterrent to others who might think lightly of human life. He also called for the prosecution of those who aided in the assault.
He praised the Lagos State Police Command for their swift arrest of the main suspect but stressed the importance of a comprehensive legal process.
“I commend the Lagos police for their prompt action in apprehending the prime suspect. However, the people of Lagos expect that justice will be served, and that the offenders will face the full consequences of their actions. This will send a clear message that no one has the right to take another’s life, regardless of status,” he affirmed.
Adedeji also addressed the leadership of the NURTW, led by Alhaji Adekunle Mustapha Seigo, urging immediate disciplinary action.
“I call on the NURTW leadership in Lagos State, under Alhaji Adekunle Mustapha Seigo, to suspend Shamsideen forthwith and publicly distance the union from his actions while investigations proceed,” he demanded.
He highlighted the need for the union to use this incident as a catalyst for ongoing education on discipline, respect for human rights, and lawful behavior among its members.
“This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the NURTW officials to intensify efforts in educating their members on proper conduct and respect for human dignity,” Adedeji added.
Strongly condemning the violent act, the legislator reminded Nigerians of the fundamental equality of all lives.
“Every responsible Nigerian must denounce this act. The sanctity of human life is absolute, and no individual is superior to another,” he declared.
In closing, Adedeji emphasized that securing justice for the murdered dispatch rider will not only provide solace to the grieving family but also reinforce the fight against lawlessness and impunity.
