Police Storm NURTW National Headquarters, Arrest President, Others, Shut Premises

Kingsley Nweze and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, has been arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

THISDAY gathered that Baruwa and three other union officials were arrested at the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja on Friday evening when armed policemen invaded the premises and asked all the occupants to vacate the building.

The development came barely two days after the NURTW president had raised the alarm over alleged plot by some persons and groups to stage a protest at the national secretariat of the union located in Garki 2 district of Abuja.

The Deputy President of the union, Isa Ore, who confirmed the development, said no reason was given for the action by the police.
Arrested alongside the NURTW President were the General Secretary, Anthony Asogwa Chukudi; National Trustee, Olayi Odion, and Principal Assistant Secretary, Abdulrasak Yemi.

According to Ore, the arrested union members were being detained at the Wuse Zone 3 Police Division.
He said the incident occurred when the union was preparing for the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected members of the National Administrative Council of the union.

He explained that the policemen arrived and ordered the staff to vacate the premises, which they later sealed.
“We were shocked to see the policemen locking our secretariat without giving any reason.

“Today, Saturday, we are preparing for the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected National Administrative Council members, but we just saw policemen and they asked us to leave the premises,” he said.

He added, “They said it was an order from the above, and they have detained our president and other leaders at Wuse Police Station.

“I have called the FCT Commissioner of Police but he said he was not in town.”