Tensions surrounding the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated in Abuja as security operatives arrested Tajudeen Baruwa, despite a subsisting court ruling affirming him as the authentic chairman of the union.
Baruwa was reportedly apprehended by police officers while attempting to assume office at the union’s national secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory.
The development comes amid a prolonged power struggle within the NURTW, which has led to factional divisions and heightened uncertainty over the union’s leadership.
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Eyewitness accounts indicate that the situation turned violent during the confrontation, with one of Baruwa’s supporters allegedly shot. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement detailing the events that led to the use of force.
The arrest, despite a valid judicial pronouncement in Baruwa’s favour, has triggered widespread reactions from stakeholders and observers, raising serious concerns about adherence to the rule of law. Legal analysts argue that the incident underscores a growing pattern of disregard for court orders, particularly in politically sensitive disputes.
The unfolding events have also brought renewed attention to the internal wrangling within the NURTW, one of Nigeria’s most influential transport unions, whose leadership tussles often have broader political and economic implications.
As of the time of filing this report, the police have not officially clarified the reasons for Baruwa’s arrest or addressed allegations surrounding the shooting.
The incident is expected to intensify scrutiny on the conduct of security agencies and their role in managing civil and institutional conflicts across the country.