ABUJA, Nigeria – Police officials stormed the National Secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Abuja on Friday, August 11, 2023, detaining several top union officials, including its president, Tajudeen Baruwa.
Among the detained are the General Secretary, Anthony Chukudi; Olayi Odion; National Trustee, Principal Assistant Secretary, Abdulrasak Yemi.
The motives behind the arrests and raid remain undisclosed.
Earlier on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, NURTW had issued a statement, warning of purported plans by unidentified individuals to instigate a violent demonstration at their secretariat.
This was in anticipation of the delegates conference that was scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2023.
By Saturday, August 12, 2023, it was confirmed by NURTW officials that their National Secretariat located in Garki 2, Abuja had been sealed off.
Isa Ore, the Deputy President of NURTW, while discussing the shocking turn of events with reporters, revealed that a substantial number of armed police officers had unexpectedly descended upon their premises, demanding everyone vacate.
Mr. Ore lamented that no reasons were provided for this drastic action.
“We were preparing for the swearing-in of the newly elected members of the National Administrative Council,” said Mr. Ore, “when the police arrived and directed all the staff to evacuate immediately, subsequently sealing off the premises.”
He further explained, “We just saw security operatives and they asked us to leave the premises. They said it was an order from the above.”
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, especially given that the reasons for the police operation are still under wraps.
Both the union and the general public await clarity on the matter.
Ogun State’s SSG, Tokunbo Talabi, Under Watchful Eyes of Secret Police for Fraud Allegations
Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, was interrogated by the Department of State Services, DSS, on Friday, August 4, 2023, concerning allegations of fraud against him.
The five-hour questioning occurred at the Ogun State Command Headquarters of the DSS in Abeokuta.
Talabi was released on self-recognition after the extensive session. “The interrogation was related to the allegations against him,” said a source within the DSS who asked not to be identified, indicating that the investigation is based on a petition by Talabi himself.
Talabi’s association with Superflux Printing Limited, a company based in Ikeja, Lagos State, has been scrutinised lately.
Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, had recently submitted a petition to several bodies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, requesting an investigation into the company’s links to the Independent National Electoral Commission during the last elections.
“The DSS initiated this inquiry to ascertain the truth behind some allegations against Talabi concerning ballot papers printing among other issues,” the source said, adding that the investigation also touched on the role of Superflux Printing Limited in the Covid-19 palliative controversy.
Furthermore, the DSS queried Talabi on the company’s alleged ties to significant financial transactions related to Ogun State and its anticipated role in the 2023 elections.
The allegations have raised concerns about the potential impact on the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The source assured the public of the DSS’s commitment to a meticulous and comprehensive investigation, stating, “We seek to unravel the complex web of allegations surrounding Talabi and his association with Superflux Printing Limited.”
Several attempts to reach Talabi for a comment remained unanswered while publishing this report.
His silence on the DSS’s invitation adds another layer to an already complicated situation, whose eventual outcome will undoubtedly shape the governance landscape in Ogun State.
