Outrage as NURTW Official Shamsideen Adio Seen Brutally Assaulting Dispatch Rider in Lagos
By Kamal Yalwa | Published: September 19, 2025 A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked public outrage after showing Shamsideen Adio, a senior official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), violently assaulting a dispatch rider in broad daylight. The incident took place on Wednesday, September 17, on Tapa Street in Lagos Island, and was reportedly triggered after Adio’s vehicle was allegedly blocked by the rider. Adio, popularly known as “Shamelon,” was seen in the video — shared by journalist Chris Nwandu — viciously punching the rider, joined by a group of men believed to be his colleagues. The assault continued as the rider was thrown to the ground, stripped of his belongings, and nearly undressed by the attackers, while a crowd of bystanders looked on without intervening. “This is not the first time,” Nwandu wrote on Facebook, alongside the footage. “He’s notorious for beating up Marwa (commercial tricycle) operators. Just days ago, he assaulted another rider so badly the man ended up in the general hospital.” According to sources familiar with Adio’s conduct, the NURTW official has a long history of violence against road users — particularly commercial riders who cross his path. The recent attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of dispatch and commercial riders in Lagos, many of whom already face risks from traffic accidents, harassment, and extortion. “This is a cry for justice,” Nwandu added. “We don’t know who his next victim will be. State authorities must act now.” Calls are growing for the Lagos State government to open a formal investigation into the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Advocacy groups are also urging the leadership of the NURTW to address the allegations against Adio and take disciplinary action if confirmed. Dispatch riders remain a critical part of Lagos’ transportation and logistics network, especially in a city plagued by gridlock. However, Wednesday’s incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of frontline workers who often operate with little protection. As of press time, neither the Lagos State government nor the NURTW has released an official statement regarding the attack.