List of Key NURTW Leaders Killed in Lagos Violence

The killing of Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has brought attention back to the ongoing violence affecting transport union leaders in Lagos. Toba Ajiboye, known as Toba Ijaya, died from gunshot wounds after gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area on Sunday. He was buried on Tuesday, and many family members, political associates, transport workers and friends attended his funeral.

His death adds to a list of high-profile killings involving transport union figures. Many of these killings are linked to political rivalry, leadership struggles, control of motor parks and gang violence.

Here are some notable cases from previous years.

Alhaji Saula Saka (2008)

One of the first major killings occurred on January 6, 2008. Alhaji Saula Saka, then Chairman of the NURTW in Lagos State, was shot dead by gunmen at his home in Iyana Ipaja. The International Federation for Human Rights reported that four armed men shot him multiple times before escaping. Human rights groups called for an independent investigation and urged the Nigerian government to ensure justice.

Azeez Otun (Ashake) (2014)

Azeez Otun, known as Ashake, was killed on September 20, 2014, after violence broke out following a Peoples Democratic Party rally at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. The violence also resulted in two other deaths. According to The Nation, seven suspects were arrested but later released due to insufficient evidence. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions suggested the arrest of others involved.

Olayemi Eniola (Esi Oluwo) (2015)

In April 2015, Olayemi Eniola, also known as Esi Oluwo or Baba Esi, died from injuries he sustained during a political clash in Oshodi. Supporters claimed he was attacked after an All Progressives Congress campaign rally. No court however linked anyone to his death. His murder raised concerns about violence in transport union politics in Oshodi.

Kunle Mamowora (Mammok) (2015)

Kunle Mamowora, known as Mammok, was shot dead near his home in Oshodi. He was the Chief Security Officer for former Lagos NURTW chairman Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo. The attack was thought to be connected to rival interests in politics and the transport union, though investigations did not confirm who was responsible. In 2019, two men were ordered to remain in custody for Mamowora's alleged murder and for having firearms.

Mamowora, murdered on September 30, 2015, had gone to visit his father when he was attacked. He was also featured in a BBC documentary called 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 election in Oshodi. Hamburger was also the Lagos State Treasurer of the Tricycle Operators branch of the NURTW. His death caused panic in Oshodi, leading many residents to flee due to fears of revenge attacks.

Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero) (2018)

Ganiyu Ayinla, or Pinero, was shot dead in January 2018 on Lagos Island while with a NURTW chairman. The police arrested four suspects, claiming the attack was related to upcoming NURTW elections. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, noted that such killings occur often before union elections.

Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim (Legacy) (2019)

In January 2019, Ismaila Ibrahim Azeez, known as Legacy, was stabbed to death during clashes between rival transport union members amid the APC governorship campaign. His death showed how transport union politics mixes with election activities in Lagos.

Samuel Kayode (Ekpo Kinkin) (2021)

In July 2021, Samuel Kayode, known as Ekpo Kinkin, was shot during an APC rally in Oriade Local Council Development Area. Union officials said he was trying to protect another politician when gunmen opened fire. The police confirmed the incident and started investigations.

Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri) (2022)

In August 2022, Sulaimon Onaolapo, called Arikuyeri, was killed during a fight over control of motor parks in Mile 12. He was attacked during a rivalry clash. The police confirmed the killing and assured that peace was restored after their intervention.

Toba Ajiboye (Toba Ijaya) (2026)

The most recent victim is Toba Ajiboye, who was shot while leaving the Fadeyi area after visiting friends. Although he was taken to the hospital and initially responded to treatment, he later died from his injuries. Three others in his car were injured and hospitalized. The Lagos State Police Command has started a manhunt for the attackers and is investigating the motive behind the attack.

These killings show a long-standing pattern of violence connected to transport union politics in Lagos. Many police investigations have followed these incidents, but several cases remain unresolved, with few convictions. Ajiboye's death has renewed calls for better security and reforms to stop violent rivalries in the transport sector and to prevent political and union disputes from ending in bloodshed.