InDrive is currently trending across social media after a Lagos driver was suspended following an alarming accusation by a female passenger, Itohan, who claimed he staged a fake car breakdown to aid robbers in attacking her and her friend.
The Allegation
According to Itohan, she and her friend ordered an InDrive ride from Surulere to Mafoluku, Oshodi, on Sunday evening, charged at ₦4,800.
Midway through the trip, she claimed the driver suddenly stopped at Onipanu, claiming his car had developed a fault. She alleged that the driver sat quietly inside while armed thugs surrounded them, offering a choice between getting robbed or making a transfer to the attackers.
The alleged robbery reportedly took place between 8:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., with Itohan claiming she and her friend lost ₦8,000 to the assailants.
Following her viral post, InDrive immediately suspended the driver, identified as James Oluwatosin, who had a 4.85 rating on the platform.
The Driver’s Side
James has now come forward to share his own side of the story, calling Itohan’s version a complete lie.
According to him, his car’s electrical system tripped off suddenly around Onipanu, forcing him to coast to a well-lit open area where he could safely park. He said he told the passengers to remain inside and lock the doors while he checked the car, but they refused and stepped out.
While he was trying to fix the car with guidance from his mechanic over the phone, a street preacher approached the women, followed by some local area boys demanding “settlement.”
James claimed he tried calming the situation but only had ₦1,000. The boys initially demanded ₦20,000, but Itohan — out of fear — began negotiating with them. The amount eventually dropped to ₦8,000, which Itohan paid.
After the incident, the area boys helped him fix the car, and he dropped Itohan’s friend at Oshodi bridge and Itohan at Mafoluku. She later sent ₦4,000 for the trip (instead of ₦4,800), which he accepted without complaint.
James said he was shocked to later find out that InDrive had suspended his account after a complaint from Itohan, accusing him of planning the robbery. He insists his conscience is clear, saying the car still has the same electrical fault and the ₦4,000 transfer remains untouched in his account.
Public Reaction
The incident has stirred mixed reactions online. Many Nigerians believe the driver’s version sounds more logical, especially given that street thugs extorting stranded motorists is common in Lagos. Others have called on InDrive to reinstate the driver pending a full investigation.
The debate has also drawn attention to a larger trend: growing skepticism around social media accusations, particularly those lacking evidence.
Itohan, who is known to identify as a feminist, has been facing backlash, with many users accusing her of weaponizing her story to ruin a man’s source of income.
For now, InDrive has not released an official statement regarding whether the suspension will be lifted.
