Court orders Baruwa-led executive to take control of NURTW office in Abuja

The Abuja-based National Industrial Tribunal of Nigeria has ordered officials of a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) currently occupying the secretariat, including the current leadership team, according to Musiliu Akinsanya, to vacate the national secretariat of the union in the Federal Capital Territory.

The court ruling ordered the appellants, led by Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, to immediately take charge of the union’s affairs. pp

Pronouncing the sentence in case no. NICN/ABJ/203/2025 on March 6, 2026, Justice ED Subilim held that the defendants and anyone occupying the office through them must immediately vacate the premises and hand over possession to the recognized leadership of the union, led by Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa.

The plaintiffs in the suit include Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, Bello Adamu, Eugene Eze Job, Dajuma Saidu, Prince Isah Dahiru Usman, Suleman Adamu, Odion Olaye (JP), Chief Herbert C. Iwuji, Muhammed Bello Madu, Olajide Abideen Abimbola, Lekan Salami Folorunsho, Monday Eleazar, Comrade Chukwudi Asogwa, as well as the National Union of road transport workers.

The accused are Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, Alhaji Tajudeen Badru Agbede, Alhaji Kayode Agbeyangi, Kayode Agbeyangi, Alhaji Alhassan Haruna, Aliyu Tanimu and Alhaji Haakeem Adeosun.

In the suit, the plaintiffs had approached the court seeking orders restraining the defendants from employing or performing as officials operating from the national office of the union in Abuja.

Justice Subilim, after considering the arguments and evidence presented by the parties, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered the defendants to vacate the union premises and cease further occupation of the premises.

The court further directed that the defendants hand over all assets, documents and facilities belonging to the syndicate within the office to the recognized leadership headed by the plaintiffs.

It also prevented the defendants’ agents from immediately stopping collecting tickets or fees from members in all states of the Federation.

The ruling is expected to return control of the Abuja union secretariat to the leadership recognized by the court.