; National Secretariat Sealed
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a recent development, the Nigerian police have taken into custody Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), alongside three other individuals. Additionally, the police have closed off access to the NURTW’s National Secretariat situated in Garki 2, Abuja.
The detained individuals include Anthony Asogwa Chukudi, General Secretary; Olayi Odion; and Abdulrasak Yemi, National Trustee and Principal Assistant Secretary. Presently, these officials are being held at the Wuse Zone 3 Division.
Reports indicate that the arrests took place at 5 pm on Friday within the premises of the secretariat. Armed policemen and personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) entered the secretariat, instructing all occupants to vacate the premises.
Earlier in the week, on August 9, the union had issued a statement revealing alleged plans for a violent protest at the secretariat during the scheduled delegates conference on Saturday, August 12. In light of this, the union had sought protection from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command to ensure the prevention of any potential unrest.
Isa Ore, Deputy President of the union, confirmed the incident on Saturday, expressing surprise over the sudden lockdown of their offices by the police without any explanation. Ore recounted, “Today, Saturday, we were preparing for the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected National Administrative Council members but we just saw police and they asked us to leave the premises. They said it was an order from above and they have detained our president and other leaders at Wuse police station.”
It is worth noting that the union conducted elections in May 2023, resulting in the election of the new officials who were scheduled to be formally inaugurated on Saturday, August 12.
Attempts to contact Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, were unsuccessful, as her mobile line appeared to be unreachable. For more updates on this developing story, visit Naija247news.
