Security forces have detained Tajudeen Baruwa just hours after his faction successfully occupied the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) national secretariat in Abuja, displacing rival leader Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
An anonymous union official confirmed the arrests on Monday to Persecondnews in Abuj, stating that Baruwa and several supporters were taken into custody shortly after a media briefing and the forceful takeover of the facility.
The escalating conflict follows a March 12 National Industrial Court verdict, which ordered MC Oluomo to vacate the presidency and cleared the path for Baruwa’s leadership.
Tensions reached a breaking point on Monday when Baruwa rallied nationwide supporters to reclaim the Abuja headquarters, citing the need to enforce legal victories they claimed were being ignored.
Despite initially providing the police with court rulings to seek assistance, the faction reportedly moved in independently after receiving little cooperation from authorities.
Before his arrest Baruwa expressed frustration over the authorities’ attitude, stating, “Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurance that we are not going back to foment any trouble as we are a law-abiding union whose only mission is to get back what belonged to them.”
He went on to clarify the method of their entry: “But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not a forceful takeover but just carrying out the court’s orders.”
Baruwa continued by reflecting on the timeline: “Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office, having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court, but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years.
“We decided to resume back at the office today without causing any violence, and here we are.”
He acknowledged a clash during the events, noting that the opposing side had assaulted one supporter who was subsequently hospitalized, yet insisted matters were contained.
Baruwa added: “Although the other faction attacked one of our members, who is now in the hospital, the situation is under control. We are still open to reconciliation as we are a lawful organization and not a troublemaker. No one is above the law.”
Highlighting the necessity of the takeover, General Secretary Suleiman Musa noted that the “unlawful occupants” had stubbornly refused to leave.
He emphasized that the union’s action followed a series of unanswered formal requests for a peaceful exit.
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