AMATO condemns alleged assault, dehumanising treatment of Nigerian truck driver, motor boy by Indian nationals 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has condemned the alleged assault and dehumanising treatment of a Nigerian truck driver and his motor boy at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, demanding a thorough police investigation and accountability for anyone found culpable.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, following a disagreement over demurrage compensation involving the driver, Mr. Rilwan Olajide, and his motor boy, Mr. Taiwo Yinusa.

In a statement dated October 12 and signed by its National Secretary-General, Mohammed Sani Bala, AMATO alleged that the two transport workers were subjected to physical assault and intimidation by Indian nationals, with the reported involvement of company staff and security personnel.

The association said photographic and video evidence, alongside information made available to it, had raised serious concerns about the incident, which it described as requiring urgent intervention by law enforcement authorities.

AMATO maintained that no commercial disagreement could justify physical violence, intimidation or degrading treatment, stressing that disputes over demurrage must be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels.

The association cited Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees respect for the dignity of the human person and prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.

It argued that the protection applied to everyone in Nigeria, regardless of nationality, occupation or social standing.

AMATO further stressed that foreign nationals and corporate organisations operating in Nigeria were subject to the country’s laws and must respect the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.

The association warned against the intimidation and unlawful treatment of maritime truck operators, drivers and motor boys, noting that these workers play an important role in cargo movement, distribution and the wider Nigerian supply chain.

Consequently, AMATO called on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Alagbon and other relevant investigative authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the reported incident.

It urged the authorities to identify all persons involved, preserve available evidence and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable in accordance with the law.

The association also appealed to the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate fully with investigators and take appropriate steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

While condemning the alleged conduct, AMATO clarified that its position was not directed against Indian nationals or any other nationality as a group, but against the specific actions reported in the incident.

It said its demand was for justice, accountability, equal protection under the law and the preservation of the dignity of Nigerian workers.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and legitimate interests of maritime truck owners, drivers and motor boys, insisting that no commercial interest should take precedence over the law and the fundamental rights of individuals.

AMATO called for justice for Olajide and Yinusa, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that the allegations receive the attention they deserve.