The killing of NURTW official Toba Ajiboye has renewed attention on nearly two decades of violent deaths involving Lagos transport union leaders tied to political rivalry and motor park battles.
List of Popular NURTW Figures Killed In Violent Attacks Across Lagos
Alhaji Saula Saka (2008) One of the earliest high-profile killings occurred on January 6, 2008, when the then Lagos NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Saula Saka, was assassinated by gunmen at his residence in Iyana Ipaja. According to the International Federation for Human Rights, four armed men repeatedly shot him before fleeing. Human rights groups, including the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, called for an independent investigation and urged authorities to prosecute the perpetrators, according to a report by Punch.
Azeez Otun (Ashake) (2014) On September 20, 2014, Azeez Otun, known as Ashake, was shot dead following clashes after a PDP rally at Tafawa Balewa Square. Two others also died in the violence. According to The Nation, seven suspects were arrested and arraigned, but prosecutors later cited insufficient evidence and ordered their release, though they recommended arresting other suspects allegedly linked to the killings.
Olayemi Eniola (Esi Oluwo) (2015) In April 2015, Oshodi union leader Olayemi Eniola, known as Esi Oluwo, died from injuries sustained during violence linked to political activities in Oshodi. According to The Guardian Nigeria, supporters alleged he was attacked by rival union members after an APC rally, though no court established responsibility. His death sparked widespread tension and renewed concerns over transport union violence in the area.
Kunle Mamowora (Mammok) (2015) Kunle Mamowora, known as Mammok and Chief Security Officer to former NURTW chairman MC Oluomo, was shot dead near his family home in Oshodi in September 2015. In 2019, the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court ordered two men remanded over his murder and firearms possession. He was attacked at a barbershop while visiting his father, and had previously featured in the BBC documentary Law and Disorder in Lagos.
Rasaq Bello (Hamburger) (2017) On May 29, 2017, Rasaq Bello, known as Hamburger, was killed during violence at an APC local government primary in Oshodi. Bello, Lagos State Treasurer of the Tricycle Operators branch of NURTW, was reportedly caught in a gun battle involving rival groups during the exercise. His death triggered panic across Oshodi, forcing residents to flee over fears of reprisal attacks, Punch reported.
Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero) (2018) In January 2018, Ganiyu Ayinla, known as Pinero, was shot dead on Lagos Island while accompanying the Idumota branch chairman of NURTW. Police arrested four suspects, alleging the attack was linked to upcoming transport union elections. At the time, Lagos Police Commissioner Edgal Imohimi described such killings as a recurring pattern whenever NURTW elections approached, underscoring the cyclical nature of the violence.
Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim (Legacy) (2019) Violence erupted again during the APC governorship campaign in January 2019 when Ismaila Ibrahim Azeez, known as Legacy, was stabbed to death amid clashes involving rival transport union members. His death further highlighted the continued intersection between transport union politics and electoral activities in Lagos, adding to the growing list of union figures killed around politically charged events.
Samuel Kayode (Ekpo Kinkin) (2021) In July 2021, Samuel Kayode, known as Ekpo Kinkin, Vice-Chairman of NURTW in Agboju, was shot dead during an APC rally in Oriade. According to Channels TV, union officials said he was trying to protect another politician when gunmen opened fire. Police confirmed the incident and launched an investigation, though the case adds to a long list of unresolved union killings.
Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri) (2022) According to PM News, in August 2022, Sulaimon Onaolapo, known as Arikuyeri, was killed during a violent clash over control of motor parks in Mile 12. Onaolapo, who oversaw the Mile 12 motor park, was reportedly attacked during a supremacy battle linked to rival groups. The Lagos Police Command confirmed the killing, saying normalcy was restored after security operatives intervened.
Toba Ajiboye (Toba Ijaya) (2026) The latest victim, Toba Ajiboye, known as Toba Ijaya, Organising Secretary of the Lagos NURTW, was attacked by gunmen while leaving Fadeyi after visiting childhood friends. Though initially responsive to treatment, he later died of his injuries. Three other vehicle occupants sustained gunshot wounds and were hospitalised. Police have launched a manhunt for the assailants, with investigations into the motive ongoing.
NEWS NOW:
