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The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has condemned the unaccepted assault, molestation and maltreatment of a Nigerian truck driver and his motor boy by Indian nationals at the premises of Karma Agric Feed and Foods Ltd along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary-General of AMATO, Mohammed Sani Bala, the association described the incident as unacceptable and called on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
“Our association strongly condemns the reported assault, molestation and degrading treatment of Mr. Rilwan Olajide, a Nigerian truck driver, and Mr. Taiwo Yinusa, his motor boy, at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcock Quarry, on Saturday, October 10, 2026,” he said.
He said that, according to information and photographic and video evidence made available to the association, the two transport workers were allegedly subjected to physical assault and intimidation by Indian nationals, with the reported involvement of company staff and security personnel, following a disagreement over their request for demurrage compensation.
According to him, the incident raises serious concerns about the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian truck drivers and motor boys, who play a critical role in the movement of goods and the smooth functioning of the country’s supply chain.
“AMATO considers this incident a serious matter that demands urgent police investigation. No commercial disagreement, regardless of its nature or financial implications, can justify violence, humiliation or the violation of another person’s fundamental human rights,” he stated.
He maintained that disputes arising from demurrage charges and other commercial transactions must be resolved through established legal and administrative procedures rather than through force, intimidation or degrading treatment.
He further recalled that Section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, guarantees every individual respect for the dignity of their person and prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
He stressed that the constitutional provision applies to every person within Nigeria’s jurisdiction, irrespective of nationality, occupation, social standing or business affiliation.
“It is unacceptable for any individual or corporate establishment operating in Nigeria to behave as though the laws of this country do not apply to them. Foreign nationals and corporate organisations doing business in Nigeria must respect our laws, our institutions and the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens,” he said.
The AMATO scribe also condemned what he described as any attempt to intimidate, discriminate against or dehumanise Nigerian transport workers in the course of carrying out their legitimate duties.
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He noted that truck drivers and motor boys frequently operate under challenging conditions while providing essential transportation services to manufacturers, importers, distributors and other businesses across the country.
“Truck drivers and motor boys are important stakeholders in the Nigerian economy. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, just like every other worker. Their occupation must never be used as an excuse to subject them to violence, intimidation or any form of inhuman treatment,” Bala added.
Consequently, AMATO called on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the relevant zone, Alagbon, and other appropriate investigative authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the alleged incident.
The association urged the police to identify all individuals allegedly involved, preserve relevant video footage and other evidence, obtain statements from witnesses and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law is prosecuted in accordance with due process.
He also called on the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate fully with the investigation and take concrete measures to ensure that such an incident does not occur again within its premises.
He emphasised that the association’s position should not be interpreted as an attack on Indian nationals or any other nationality, but as a legitimate demand for justice and accountability over the alleged conduct of the individuals involved.
“Our position is clear: we are not against any nationality. We are against violence, discrimination, intimidation and the violation of human rights. Every business operating in Nigeria must respect the law, and every Nigerian worker deserves protection from unlawful treatment,” he said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and legitimate interests of maritime truck owners, drivers and motor boys, while pledging to continue engaging relevant government agencies and stakeholders to promote peaceful dispute resolution and safer working conditions for transport operators.
AMATO maintained that the alleged incident should serve as a reminder to corporate organisations and their personnel that commercial interests must never take precedence over human dignity and the rule of law.
The association therefore called for justice for the two affected workers and urged all parties to allow the appropriate authorities to establish the facts and take necessary action.
“Justice must be served for Mr. Rilwan Olajide and Mr. Taiwo Yinusa. Nigerian workers must be treated with dignity, and everyone operating within our country must be held to the same legal standards. No one is above the law,” he declared.
