The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has publicly disowned a driver caught on video locking a child in the boot of his car during a trip on the inDrive platform. The alarming incident which was reported on May 30, 2025 by Dailytech, where passengers discovered a child locked in the boot of an inDrive vehicle in Lagos, has now prompted a strong response from the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON).
In a statement, AUATON’s Chairman, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, condemned the act as “inhumane, unsafe, and criminal,” emphasizing that the driver involved is not a member of the union and does not represent their values. The union stressed that it does not condone any criminal or unethical behavior and has completely dissociated itself from the incident.
AUATON also criticized inDrive for its failure to properly vet and verify drivers before onboarding them. The union revealed that despite repeated requests, inDrive has refused to collaborate with AUATON’s driver verification system, which is designed to ensure safety and professionalism. According to AUATON, if inDrive had cooperated, incidents like this could have been prevented.
In response, inDrive confirmed it has suspended the driver pending investigation. The driver claimed the child was his son and promised to provide proof, but the company continues to investigate the matter.
AUATON has called on the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure justice is served. The union also urged inDrive to immediately stop onboarding unverified drivers and take responsibility for passenger safety on its platform.
This incident has reignited long-standing concerns about regulatory oversight and safety compliance in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. AUATON reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high standards of safety, professionalism, and accountability for drivers operating across Lagos State.
