The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Adio Shamshudeen, popularly known as Shameloon, Chairman of the Lagos Island branch of the Marwa Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN), in connection with the death of 38-year-old Rahmon Imam.
Imam, the younger brother of the CEO of Sly Bar in Okesuna, was reportedly assaulted last week on Beecroft Street, Lagos Island. According to witnesses, Shameloon had been captured in a viral video attacking a tricycle operator when Imam tried to intervene. He was allegedly beaten into a coma and later died in hospital after several days of treatment.
Police said the case was only reported to the Adeniji Adele Police Station after Imam’s death. Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed Shameloon’s arrest, adding that he had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for a thorough probe following allegations he tried to influence the process at the divisional level.
Adebisi also confirmed that on the same day Imam died, Shameloon allegedly assaulted a dispatch rider who was subsequently taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital. The victim is said to be on oxygen and receiving intensive medical care. Investigators have invited Imam’s family to provide formal statements.
The incident has provoked public outrage, especially after claims surfaced that Shameloon often boasted of close ties to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Gboyega Akosile, dismissed such claims, stressing that Sanwo-Olu had no connection to the matter and that the state government would allow the law to take its full course.
Also reacting, the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (popularly known as Sego), issued a statement titled “Clarification on Recent Incident Involving a NURTW Member.” Adekunle acknowledged that Shameloon was once his loyalist but expressed deep disappointment over his conduct and completely dissociated himself and the union from the incident.
“While I once trusted his loyalty, I am bitterly disappointed that he could engage in such acts. I want to make it clear that all his actions are his own and do not represent the NURTW in any way,” Adekunle stated.
He urged police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, pledged internal disciplinary action after the legal process, and warned that the union would not condone violence or unlawful behaviour from any member. He also offered condolences to Imam’s family, promised possible support from the union, and appealed to bloggers and social media users not to link him personally to the case.
Adekunle reaffirmed the NURTW’s commitment to law, order, and public safety.
