Veteran broadcaster Kola Olootu has alleged that a roadside vulcanizer may have unwittingly or deliberately aided the killers of late National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chieftain Toba Ijaya, but police have yet to confirm the claims as investigations continue.
Fresh claims have emerged over the killing of Lagos State National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Organising Secretary, Toba Ijaya, following allegations by veteran journalist and broadcaster Kola Olootu linking a roadside vulcanizer to the attack.
Speaking during a broadcast that has since circulated widely on social media, Olootu claimed investigators arrested the vulcanizer after uncovering what he described as a suspicious voice note allegedly sent shortly before the fatal attack. However, the claims have not been officially confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force.
Alleged Voice Note Raises New Questions
According to Olootu, the late transport union leader had reportedly stopped at a vulcanizer’s workshop shortly before the attack and gave the artisan ₦4,000.
The broadcaster alleged that moments later, the vulcanizer mistakenly sent a voice note to the wrong recipient saying:
“He is coming, be at alert.”
Olootu claimed the alleged message prompted investigators to arrest the vulcanizer as part of ongoing investigations into the killing.
Police Yet to Confirm Arrest
Despite the widespread circulation of the claims, the Lagos State Police Command has not officially confirmed that any vulcanizer has been arrested in connection with the assassination.
Police have only stated that investigations into the killing remain ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Toba Ijaya Was Shot by Gunmen
Toba Ijaya was attacked by unidentified gunmen along Ikorodu Road, Lagos, while returning from the Fadeyi area.
He sustained severe gunshot injuries and later died despite receiving medical treatment.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief from transport union members, political associates and supporters, with many calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Investigation Still Ongoing
As investigations continue, authorities have urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could interfere with the case.
At the time of filing this report, there is no official police confirmation of the alleged voice note, the purported arrest of a vulcanizer, or any evidence linking him to the killing.