WorldStage– The Nigeria Police Force is currently intervening at the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) headquarters in Abuja following a dramatic takeover by the Tajudeen Baruwa-led faction.
The Baruwa faction of the union had in the early hours of Monday, March 23, 2026 stormed and reclaimed the national secretariat, effectively dislodging the faction led by Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo).
The Tajudeen Baruwa’s faction had waited for almost two years to regain control of the secretariat, which it said had been unlawfully occupied.
It issued prior notifications to the Nigerian Police about the court orders and its intent to resume operations, ensuring a non-violent process.
Speaking during the takeover, Mr Baruwa insisted the action of his group was in strict compliance with the law.
A decision of a court had previously been upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in November 2024, which dismissed challenges from MC Oluomo’s loyalists, describing their appeal as lacking merit and awarded costs of N100,000 against them.
Shortly after the takeover, security forces intervened and arrested Tajudeen Baruwa and several of his supporters.
Personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC have since sealed and cordoned off the NURTW National Secretariat to prevent further clashes.
Baruwa maintains the move was a lawful enforcement of a National Industrial Court ruling from March 12, 2026, which ordered MC Oluomo to vacate the office and recognized Baruwa as the legitimate president.
The MC Oluomo faction has labeled the takeover a “ruse” and insists they remain the rightful leadership, despite recent appellate court losses.
The situation at the secretariat remains tense as security agencies maintain a heavy presence to forestall renewed violence between the rival factions.
