Tension escalated at the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) headquarters in Abuja on Monday as Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, the court-recognised leader of the union, was arrested alongside several of his supporters by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Baruwa had arrived at the union’s national secretariat to assume control of the office, following a court ruling that affirmed him as the legitimate president of the NURTW.
However, the situation quickly turned chaotic, with reports of violence, including the shooting of one supporter and physical confrontations involving security personnel.
Court Ruling and Power Struggle
The development stems from a judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which ordered members of a rival faction to vacate the union’s headquarters. The opposing group is linked to Musiliu Akinsanya, a prominent figure within the transport union.
In its ruling on March 6, 2026, Justice E. D. Subilim directed that Baruwa and his team take immediate control of the union’s affairs. The court also instructed the opposing faction to hand over all union properties, documents, and operational control.
Additionally, the court barred the defendants and their associates from presenting themselves as union officials or collecting levies from members across the country.
Clash at the Secretariat
Despite the court’s decision, police officers were deployed to the secretariat, where they reportedly blocked Baruwa and his supporters from entering the premises.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that tensions escalated when security operatives attempted to disperse the crowd using teargas. During the confrontation, one individual was reportedly shot, although details about the victim’s condition remain unclear.
Baruwa and several of his supporters were subsequently taken into custody, with no immediate confirmation of their location.
Baruwa Speaks Before Arrest
Prior to his arrest, Baruwa addressed journalists at the scene, insisting that his actions were lawful and backed by multiple court judgments, including rulings from both lower and appellate courts.
He stated that the union had formally notified the police ahead of the planned takeover, providing copies of the judgments to ensure a smooth transition. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of cooperation from authorities.
Baruwa emphasized that his team’s return to the secretariat was peaceful and aimed solely at reclaiming the office in line with legal directives. He also noted that, despite the tension and reported attack on one of his members, the union remains open to dialogue and reconciliation.