NUPENG PTD Crisis: Violence Erupts at Ejigbo Depot as Police Arraign Suspects, Court Process Under Pressure
LAGOS, Nigeria – Tension has gripped the Ejigbo Depot of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) arm of the (NUPENG) following violent clashes linked to an ongoing leadership dispute ahead of scheduled union elections.
The unrest, which escalated on February 23, 2026, has drawn the attention of the , the judiciary, and civil society groups, raising concerns about the growing instability within one of Nigeria’s most strategic labour unions.
Background to the Crisis
According to sources within the depot, tensions began mounting after preparations commenced for an upcoming election to usher in new executives for the PTD Ejigbo Unit in Lagos.
However, a faction allegedly loyal to a former chairman of the union, Alhaji Ganiyu Oyebola, popularly known as “10Million,” reportedly disrupted the process. The group is accused of attacking recognized members of the union who were engaging in campaign activities, including printing and posting posters of their preferred candidates on February 16, 2026.
What began as routine electioneering reportedly degenerated into violence, leaving several individuals seriously injured. Eyewitness accounts indicate that some victims were left bleeding at the scene before being rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Police Intervention and Court Arraignment
Following the violent outbreak, the Nigeria Police Force intervened, arresting individuals allegedly involved in the clashes. The suspects were subsequently charged before a magistrate court in line with existing legal provisions, and the matter is currently pending before the court.
Law enforcement authorities have maintained that due process is being followed.
Protest and Allegations
Despite the ongoing court proceedings, supporters of the former chairman staged a protest, alleging bias and misconduct in the handling of the crisis. The demonstrators called for the release of those arrested, claiming they were unfairly targeted.
A civil society organization, (HURWA), which participated in the protest, raised concerns about alleged intimidation and possible irregularities in the police response.
A representative of the group stated that conflicting accounts had been received regarding the incident, including claims that some individuals were attacked and hospitalized, while allegations were also made suggesting that police officers may have been compromised — claims that authorities have not officially responded to.
The group called for an “immediate and impartial investigation” into the roles played by officers at the Ejigbo Division and Zone D Command, while also urging the national leadership of the Petrol Tanker Drivers to intervene to prevent further escalation.
Leadership Questions and Growing Concerns
Observers noted that during the protest, the former chairman reportedly declined to respond to questions from journalists concerning his faction’s alleged role in the violence.
Stakeholders within the labour movement warn that internal disputes must not be allowed to spiral into actions that could undermine the credibility of unionism in Nigeria.
Call for Restraint
Industry watchers stress that while workers’ rights remain sacrosanct, violence and disruption of public order could weaken the moral standing of labour advocacy.
With the matter now before the court, stakeholders are urging all parties to allow the judicial process to run its full course, while ensuring that those injured receive proper medical care and that accountability is established where necessary.
As tensions linger at the Ejigbo depot in Lagos, many believe that how this crisis is managed will determine whether the situation de-escalates — or deepens into a broader labour conflict.
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