The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has expressed shock at the arrest of its National President, Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, and three other officials
The arrests occurred on Friday evening at the NURTW’s National Secretariat in Garki 2, Abuja.
Mr. Isa Ore, the Deputy President of the Union, who confirmed the development, explained that they were getting ready for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected National Administrative Council members when the police showed up.
To their surprise, the police told them to leave the premises and then locked up the secretariat, all without giving any reasons for their actions.
“We were preparing for the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected National Administrative Council members when the police arrived, asked us to leave the premises, and proceeded to seal off the secretariat,” said Ore.
“We were shocked to see the policemen in their number locking our secretariat without giving them a reason.”
He continued, “the arrested officials, currently being detained at the Wuse Zone 3 Division, include the General Secretary, Anthony Asogwa Chukudi; Olayi Odion, National Trustee; and the Principal Assistant Secretary, Abdulrasak Yemi, along with the National President, Baruwa.
“They said it was an order from higher up, and they have detained our President and other leaders at Wuse police station.” Despite trying to contact the relevant authorities for an explanation, the union hasn’t received any clear answers.
Ore also mentioned trying to get in touch with the FCT Commissioner of Police but was out of town.
“I have called the FCT Commissioner of police but he said he was not in town,” lamented Mr. Ore.
According to him, the NURTW is still waiting for more information on the arrests of its officials and the sealing of its Headquarters.
