Baruwa Arrest: Police Detain NURTW Leader After Secretariat Takeover (Video)
Tension has gripped parts of Lagos following the arrest of Musiliu Akinsanya’s rival, Ibikunle Baruwa, after a reported takeover of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Police authorities confirmed that Baruwa was taken into custody after he allegedly led supporters to occupy the union’s secretariat, an action that has further deepened the ongoing leadership crisis within the transport workers’ body.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the situation escalated when members loyal to Baruwa reportedly stormed the premises, asserting control over the facility. The move is believed to be part of a broader power struggle within the union, which has witnessed divisions and competing claims to leadership in recent times.
Security operatives were quickly deployed to the scene to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Police officials stated that Baruwa’s arrest was necessary to restore calm and ensure that due process is followed in resolving the dispute.
“We acted promptly to prevent violence and maintain peace. The individual in question is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.
The leadership tussle within the National Union of Road Transport Workers has been a subject of concern, with factions emerging and contesting control over the organization’s operations. The union plays a significant role in Nigeria’s transport sector, making its stability critical to daily economic activities.
The crisis has also drawn attention due to the involvement of prominent figures, including Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, who has been linked to one of the factions. The rivalry between different camps has occasionally led to confrontations and disruptions.
Sources within the union suggest that the secretariat takeover was a strategic move aimed at asserting authority, though it ultimately led to intervention by law enforcement agencies. The development has raised concerns about the potential for further clashes if the situation is not properly managed.
Residents and commuters in affected areas have expressed worry over the implications of the crisis, noting that disputes within the union can sometimes lead to disruptions in transportation services. Many have called on authorities to find a lasting solution to the leadership conflict.
Legal analysts say Baruwa could face charges related to unlawful assembly, trespass, or actions likely to cause a breach of peace, depending on the outcome of investigations. They emphasize the importance of resolving such disputes through legal and institutional channels rather than force.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the transport sector have urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue. They argue that the union’s stability is essential for maintaining order within the transport system and avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempts to incite violence or disrupt public peace will be met with swift action. Authorities also called on members of the public to remain calm and avoid engaging in activities that could escalate tensions.
As investigations continue, the arrest of Ibikunle Baruwa marks a significant development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the union. Observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds.
For now, attention remains on efforts to restore stability and ensure that the dispute is resolved in a manner that upholds the rule of law and protects public interest.
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