The Lagos branch of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has officially accused the e-mobility company Moove of unlawfully detaining, torturing, and arresting two of its drivers who protested against the company’s abuse of authority. This grave charge was formally submitted by Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, the union’s Lagos State chairman.
According to the union’s report, Moses Ameh and Byang Zakka were taken into custody by officers from the Bar Beach police station at the behest of Moove representatives. The drivers allegedly suffered physical mistreatment and were compelled to sign police-prepared statements under coercion. They were then held at the Ikoyi correctional center for a full month without any formal charges or court proceedings.
“The arrest and detention of these drivers at Bar Beach Police Station happened without any official notification of the allegations against them. This was a coordinated operation between Moove Africa officials and certain police personnel, carried out without a valid warrant, court order, or formal charges. During their confinement, the drivers were forced to sign dictated statements, demonstrating a blatant abuse of power and disregard for due process,” the petition stated.
Comrade Azeez also disclosed that the drivers endured both physical and verbal abuse during their arrest and questioning, facing degrading treatment and being denied any opportunity to defend themselves-an outright violation of their fundamental human rights.
“This incident exemplifies a severe misuse of authority, a flagrant violation of human rights, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate, silence, and demean innocent app-based drivers operating under Moove Africa’s Drive-To-Own (DTO) program,” the union leader emphasized.
Related: Moove drivers suspend operations over 100% surge in weekly remittance fees
The union is urging regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the unlawful arrest, detention, and maltreatment of Moses Ameh and Byang Zakka. They demand accountability and prosecution of all involved parties, including Moove Africa’s management. Furthermore, the union seeks compensation for the drivers to cover wrongful imprisonment, lost income, and emotional trauma.
Claims of Exploitative Behavior by Moove
About a month prior, drivers participating in Moove’s vehicle financing scheme on the Uber platform halted their services in protest against a sudden doubling of their weekly remittance fees. The drivers informed Technext that Moove increased the weekly payment from ₦56,400 to ₦112,200, a 100% hike they deemed unjustified.
The drivers attributed their strike to the arbitrary nature of the fee increase and the lack of transparency in the remittance breakdown. They pointed out that only ₦39,766 (roughly 33%) of the ₦112,200 weekly remittance was allocated toward loan repayment.
A detailed remittance breakdown reviewed by Technext showed ₦39,766 for loan repayment, ₦9,966 for maintenance, ₦16,343 for repairs, ₦2,885 for insurance, ₦505 for health insurance, and a hefty ₦42,735 categorized as handling fees. The drivers questioned why the handling fees were higher than the amount applied to loan repayment.
Comrade Azeez accused Moove of employing unethical and exploitative strategies, such as inflating daily remittance amounts to extort drivers and assigning multiple drivers to a single vehicle to maximize profits.
“Despite promises of brand-new vehicles from CFAO Motors at contract signing, the company delivered used or previously damaged cars repaired at their Ojota workshop. Additionally, they failed to properly record drivers’ loan repayments, falsely labeling some as defaulters and forcibly repossessing their vehicles,” he explained.
He also criticized Moove for deducting health insurance fees without enrolling drivers in comprehensive coverage. Many drivers who fell ill reportedly received no assistance, and their vehicles were repossessed when they failed to meet remittance obligations during recovery. According to Azeez, these practices reveal systemic corruption, exploitation, and deliberate fraud targeting vulnerable drivers.
The union leader further accused Moove of forging signatures on contract documents and later claiming these agreements were “subject to review.” Drivers were denied access to their signed contracts, preventing them from viewing or downloading copies-a deliberate act of concealment and bad faith, according to Azeez.
“Moove Africa violated contracts by delivering used vehicles instead of new ones as promised, while simultaneously doubling remittance fees under the guise of inflated handling, maintenance, and repair costs. This is a clear exploitation of app-based drivers who trusted the company,” Comrade Azeez stated.
In light of these allegations, AUATON is calling for a comprehensive investigation into Moove’s Drive-To-Own operations and contractual dealings across Lagos State.