Oyo Police Arrest Three After Viral Assault on Nigerian Truck Drivers

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspects, including an Indian national and two security operatives, over the alleged assault of two Nigerian truck drivers at the premises of Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited in Ibadan.

The arrests followed widespread public outrage over a viral video showing the drivers being beaten during a confrontation at the company’s facility along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The suspects were identified as Harjit Singh, 46, an Indian national associated with the company, and two security operatives attached to the facility, Olowu Oluwadamilare and Sodeke Olamide.

The police said Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed detectives to identify and apprehend those involved after the command became aware of the video at about 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said preliminary investigations indicated that the confrontation stemmed from a disagreement over where a truck delivering goods to the company should be parked.

According to the police account, the dispute began on Saturday when the truck driver reportedly objected to a designated parking space because he feared it could damage the vehicle’s tyres.

The truck owner, Akinpelu Sarafa, 47, reportedly told investigators that the driver was compelled to park in the designated area, after which one of the tyres burst.

The disagreement allegedly escalated when the driver requested a replacement tyre but the company declined.

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The driver subsequently used the truck to block the company’s entrance, triggering a physical confrontation involving the drivers, security operatives and the Indian national, according to the police.

The confrontation was captured in a video that circulated widely on social media, attracting condemnation from Nigerians who called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The footage appeared to show a man striking one of the drivers with a stick while other individuals restrained and kicked another man who was on the ground. Some people at the scene were also heard demanding the truck keys.

The video prompted renewed calls for authorities to protect Nigerian workers from violence and ensure that commercial disagreements are resolved through lawful means.

The two drivers were subsequently identified as Ridwan Olajide, 34, and Taiwo Yinusa, 37. Both were admitted to a hospital in the Academy area of Ibadan for medical attention.

According to the police, the investigating officer visited the hospital and obtained statements from the victims as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The command said the three suspects had been arrested while investigations continued to determine their individual roles in the alleged assault and establish the culpability of everyone involved.

The case has been transferred to the Special Enquiry Bureau at Eleyele, Ibadan, for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with the law.

The police also urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work, assuring residents that anyone found culpable would be dealt with under the law.

The incident has generated broader concerns about the safety and treatment of truck drivers and other transport workers, whose services are essential to moving goods between factories, warehouses, markets and distribution centres.

Commercial disputes involving damaged vehicles, loading delays, parking arrangements and compensation claims can create tensions between drivers and businesses. However, such disagreements do not justify physical violence, and the police investigation is expected to establish how the confrontation escalated and who was responsible.

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners has also condemned the reported assault and called for accountability, stressing that disputes involving truck operators should be handled through lawful and peaceful channels.

The latest arrests mark a significant development in the case following the public reaction to the viral footage and calls for an investigation.

While the arrests represent an important step in establishing the facts, the suspects have not been convicted of any offence. The police said investigations were ongoing, with further action to be taken in accordance with the law.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that the law applies equally to individuals and organisations.

Members of the public with relevant information about the incident can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on its toll-free line, 615, or the police command control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.