By Seun Ibiyemi
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has called for an urgent police investigation into the alleged assault and degrading treatment of a Nigerian truck driver and his motor boy at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The association, in a statement signed by its National Secretary-General, Mohammed Sani Bala, condemned the reported incident involving Mr Rilwan Olajide, a truck driver, and his motor boy, Mr Taiwo Yinusa, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
According to AMATO, information and photographic and video evidence made available to the association indicated that 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.
The incident reportedly followed a disagreement over the drivers’ request for demurrage compensation at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, located at Km 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry.
AMATO described the allegations as serious and urged the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
The association maintained that disagreements over commercial payments could not justify violence, intimidation or treatment that violates the dignity and fundamental rights of workers.
It stressed that such disputes should be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels rather than physical confrontation.
The association cited Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees the dignity of the human person and prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
AMATO said the constitutional protection applies to everyone in Nigeria, irrespective of nationality, occupation or social status.
It added that foreign nationals and corporate organisations operating in the country were equally required to respect Nigerian laws and the fundamental rights of citizens.
The association warned against any conduct that could undermine the safety and dignity of Nigerian maritime truck operators and other transport workers performing their legitimate duties.
It also condemned racial discrimination, xenophobic hostility, intimidation and unlawful violence, while clarifying that its position concerned the alleged actions of the individuals involved and was not directed at Indian nationals or any other nationality as a whole.
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AMATO called on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the relevant command in Alagbon and other investigative authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
The association urged the authorities to preserve available evidence, establish the facts surrounding the alleged assault and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.
It also called on the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate fully with investigators and take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.
The association said the investigation should establish the circumstances of the disagreement and determine the responsibility, if any, of the individuals allegedly involved.
As of the time of the statement, AMATO’s allegations had not been independently verified, and the statement did not indicate whether the police had commenced an investigation or whether the company had responded to the allegations.
The association reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and legitimate interests of maritime truck owners, drivers and motor boys, who play an important role in Nigeria’s logistics, port operations and supply chains.
It maintained that transport workers should be able to carry out their duties without fear of assault, intimidation or degrading treatment.
AMATO said its demand was for justice, accountability, equal protection under the law and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian worker.
“Justice for Mr Rilwan Olajide and Mr Taiwo Yinusa. Respect for Nigerian workers. No one is above the law,” the association stated.
