The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Lagos Division, has ordered the arrest and detention of the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, and the union’s Secretary, Usman Teslim, over alleged contempt of court.

Justice Isaac Essien issued the order after the two union officials failed to appear before the court to explain why they should not be committed to prison for allegedly disobeying its earlier directives.

The judge described their failure to comply with the court’s orders as a flagrant disregard for judicial authority, warning that the court would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining its authority.

During the proceedings, Justice Essien also expressed concern over an affidavit of non-service submitted by a court bailiff, Ayo Moses.

In the affidavit, Moses alleged that the Chief Security Officer of the sixth judgment debtor prevented him from delivering court documents on October 5, 2026.

The judge described the alleged interference with the bailiff’s official duties as a serious development, warning that obstructing the execution of lawful court processes could have grave consequences.

Consequently, the court directed that Sego and Teslim be arrested and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over their alleged failure to obey its orders.

Justice Essien also instructed the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant law enforcement agencies to enforce the arrest order and ensure the officials are handed over to the officer in charge of the correctional facility.

The matter was adjourned until November 16, 2026, when the court is expected to consider whether the two officials have purged themselves of the alleged contempt.

The dispute stems from allegations that NURTW officials continued collecting daily, weekly and security tickets from commercial tricycle operators in Lagos despite a judgment delivered on December 11, 2025.

The judgment reportedly recognised the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) as an independent trade union, separate from the NURTW.

The latest order represents a further development in the dispute over the collection of levies and the rights of transport associations operating within Lagos State.

However, the allegations against the NURTW officials remain subject to the court’s determination of the contempt proceedings.