The Lagos State NURTW organising secretary, Comrade Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, was assassinated on Sunday, July 12, in the Fadeyi area of Lagos. The tragic event has taken a new twist with the emergence of a photo of a young man identified as 'Oke,' a bricklayer from Fadeyi, who is alleged to have played a key role in tracking Ajiboye’s movements before the attack.
Oke reportedly earned a living as a bricklayer but was allegedly paid to monitor the NURTW chief's activities. His image quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage and shock among netizens who expressed disbelief at the betrayal.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to sources close to the investigation, Oke photographed Ajiboye's vehicle from the front and back while the NURTW chief visited some elderly people. He then sent the pictures along with a voice note to waiting gunmen, informing them that Ajiboye was alone with his driver and would soon exit the premises. Moments later, Ajiboye came out and even gave Oke N5,000, unaware that the bricklayer had just set him up for assassination.
The gunmen ambushed Ajiboye as he left, riddling his vehicle with bullets. He was 43 years old at the time of his death. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Arrests and Flight
Detectives investigating the case arrested Oke and his wife. Another suspect, identified only as Suko, who is believed to have financed the operation, reportedly fled Nigeria.
“On Sunday, Toba came to see some elderly people and parked outside. The informant took pictures of the front and back of his vehicle and sent them to people waiting on the expressway. He also sent a voice note informing them that Toba was alone with his driver and would soon come out. Toba came out and even gave him N5,000, not knowing that he was there to monitor him.” — Source speaking to Saturday Punch
Mourning and Outcry
On Tuesday, hundreds of family members, colleagues, and supporters gathered in tears to bid farewell to the NURTW secretary. Viral videos showed mourners overcome with grief as they surrounded his remains. The manner of his killing, observers noted, bore the hallmarks of an execution designed to send a chilling message to his associates.
Warnings to Others
In the aftermath, content creator Ibrooanlyzer publicly addressed NURTW chieftain Koko Zaria, urging him to take extra precautions. Ibrooanlyzer, who said he had known Toba Ijaya since childhood, claimed that Koko Zaria's strong social media presence was the only thing keeping him safe. He also advised Koko Zaria to relocate abroad for an extended period, citing a recent attack on him as a reason for concern.
The assassination has deepened tensions within the Lagos NURTW and raised questions about internal betrayals and power struggles. As the investigation continues, many await further arrests and details about the financing of the operation.
