Two logistics workers in Abia State claim they have been stranded for nearly three weeks at a private residence after completing a delivery, following a dispute over damaged solar panels.

The workers, a driver and his assistant, allege that Chief Martin Mbaka, Managing Director and CEO of Quietstorm Group, impounded the delivery vehicle they operated at his Bende residence after seven solar panels were discovered to be cracked during offloading. The standoff, which began on December 28, 2025, centers on liability and payment for the damaged panels.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, one of the workers, who identified himself as Michael, said the situation has been worsened by a failed attempt to reach the contractor who hired them in Lagos.

“The cousin of Chief Mbaka, who initially contacted the man that gave us the job, has been in Lagos for the past four days trying to locate him,” Michael said. “Unfortunately, he has not been able to reach him. He was later told that the man is currently in his village.”

The transporters say they have been forced to sleep inside the impounded vehicle under harsh conditions, with the gate locked, tyres deflated, and keys withheld.

“We have been sleeping inside the vehicle with mosquitoes since December 28,” Michael said. “They locked the gate and said we cannot leave with the vehicle until we pay for the damaged panels. This is not our fault; we are transporters and did not handle the loading.”

Chief Mbaka confirmed that the vehicle would not be released until the damaged solar panels are replaced. His Personal Assistant, Mr. Franklin Azubuike, defended the CEO, alleging the transporters mishandled fragile equipment by overloading the vehicle with heavy items on top of the panels.

According to Azubuike, the damaged panels are valued at over N1 million, but Chief Mbaka is demanding N840,000 after discounts. He also noted that the matter has been reported to the police and senior officers in Lagos are aware of the dispute.

At the time of reporting, the transporters remain stranded, more than 20 days after delivering the consignment.