Police have arrested Tajudeen Baruwa, leader of a faction within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), following his takeover of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The takeover escalates a long-running leadership dispute within the NURTW. Baruwa’s supporters stormed the headquarters in the early hours, displacing members loyal to Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, who was elected National President in November 2024.
Reports indicate that court rulings, including decisions from the National Industrial Court upheld by higher courts, recognize Baruwa as the legitimate leader of the union, providing the basis for his faction’s reclaiming of the secretariat.
Supporters said the operation was carried out lawfully, with prior notifications sent to security agencies and backed by court orders confirming Baruwa’s presidency. A video circulating online showed scenes from the takeover.
Police intervened shortly after the takeover, arresting Baruwa. The specific charges against him and the status of his detention have not yet been released.
The NURTW has been marked by recurring factional rivalries over the years, often sparking conflicts for control of the union, which holds significant influence over commercial transport operations across Nigeria.
