Five members of the Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owner Association (PEDPA) have been in detention since Tuesday after officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigerian Police at Panti area of Lagos arrested them for protesting work conditions by Uber and Bolt companies.

On Monday, PEDPA began their demonstrations across the megacity against the two biggest players in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. They are demanding an upward review in ride pricing, the reduction of the two companies’ commission on each ride as well as profiling of riders to ensure the safety of drivers who come in contact with unknown riders.

On the second day of their protest, FIJ learnt that police officers waylaid PEDPA members at the vicinity of the national stadium in Surulere where they were to converge.

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FIJ can confirm that Idris Shonuga, the National President of the association; Jolaiya Seun Moses, National Vice-President; and Umukoro Paul, the Treasurer, are among the detainees.

Speaking with our reporter on Wednesday, Kolawole Aina, PEDPA’s Southwest regional Vice President, said: “This is injustice as we didn’t do anything wrong.

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“We were just converging for our protest the second day when five hefty officers arrived at the stadium and arrested our members.

“They told us they were acting under the orders of the commissioner of police but when we called the latter this morning, he denied that claim. Since the incident happened, our protest has been put on hold.”

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, told our reporter he wasn’t yet aware of the incident and promised to get back whenever he does. He is yet to give feedback as of press time.