Moove Under Fire: AUATON Alleges Driver Arrests and Torture for Resisting Exploitation
The e-mobility giant Moove, a prominent player in Africa’s burgeoning tech and gig economy, is facing serious accusations from the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON). The union’s Lagos State council has formally accused Moove of orchestrating the unlawful arrest and brutal treatment of its app-based drivers. According to AUATON, these alleged actions were a direct response to drivers protesting unfair labor practices and seeking to resist exploitation within the ride-hailing sector. This grave allegation highlights growing concerns over driver welfare and human rights within the African tech landscape, particularly for those working in the app-driven transportation industry.
Detailed Allegations: Unlawful Detention and Abuse of Drivers
Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, the Lagos chairman of AUATON, underscored the severity of these claims in an official petition. The union specifically cited the cases of two drivers, Moses Ameh and Byang Zakka, who were reportedly subjected to egregious mistreatment for their stance against what AUATON describes as exploitative conditions. AUATON’s petition details that Moove allegedly colluded with officers from the Bar Beach police station to effectuate these arrests, which the union asserts lacked any legitimate legal basis. Furthermore, the union claims that these app-based drivers were detained without being informed of any specific charges against them. They were then reportedly coerced into signing pre-written statements provided by Moove, before being incarcerated at the Ikoyi correctional centre. Disturbingly, both drivers endured a month-long detention period without facing any formal court trial or receiving an official charge, raising significant questions about due process and legal rights in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding gig economy. This situation casts a shadow over operational ethics in the e-mobility sector and the protection of driver rights.
These accusations against Moove by AUATON serve as a stark reminder of the challenges confronting app-based drivers in the fast-paced African tech environment. The allegations of wrongful arrest, coercion, and detention without trial for resisting exploitation underscore the critical need for transparent and equitable labor practices. As the gig economy continues to expand across the continent, ensuring the fundamental rights and safety of drivers remains paramount, especially in a sector where power imbalances between companies and their service providers can be significant. This incident calls for a thorough investigation and highlights the ongoing struggle for fair treatment and justice for app-based transporters in Nigeria and beyond.
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