Innocent InDrive Rider Accused of Robbery Plot After Car Trouble

James Oluwatosin, a husband and father of two daughters, says he was falsely accused of plotting a gang robbery after picking up passengers on Sunday, May 18th.

James Oluwatosin was going about his day when everything changed, a routine ride, a broken-down car, and a social media post that would cost him his reputation. According to Pastor Kenneth Olusanya, a close associate, James picked up some ladies who booked a ride via the InDrive app. During the trip, his car broke down.

As has happened before, local hoodlums approached, demanding money. The ladies ended up paying them to avoid further trouble. But instead of recognizing an unlucky event, many concluded that James had planned the whole thing in collusion with the passengers.

One of the women later posted on X: “If you order a ride and you see him, please cancel. He’ll pretend something is wrong with his car and park so his gang can rob you.”

The post garnered over 3 million views. Some replies noted James’s 4.86-star rating on the InDrive app and urged people to wait for his side of the story.

James says he has not worked for over two months, and this misunderstanding has made him feel even more isolated.

He insists there was no plot, only a malfunction and some opportunistic thugs. “My car broke down. Thugs came, and they asked for money. The ladies paid. That’s all that happened,” he told relatives.

Safety Concerns and Pattern of False Accusations

The incident raises broader questions about safety, accountability, and the power of social media in Nigeria. Rideshare drivers and passengers alike are vulnerable to false claims, harassment, physical danger, and reputational damage.

For example, in Lagos earlier this year, the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) disowned an InDrive driver who was caught on video locking a child in the boot of his car during a trip. The union emphasized that the driver was not part of its membership and criticized InDrive for not properly verifying its drivers.

There have also been reports of harassment by drivers, or threats, when passengers leave negative reviews. One case involved a passenger named Tobi Afolabi who alleged death threats from a driver after leaving a low rating.

Another recurring issue is the lack of robust oversight or verification of drivers and riders. Transport unions have repeatedly raised alarms about InDrive and similar platforms failing to properly verify passengers, leading to safety lapses and even loss of life in extreme cases.

Looming US Tariff Threatens to Drive Vehicle Prices Skyward in Nigeria, Disrupting Market Dynamics

In this climate, false accusations like the one James faced become more dangerous, the court of public opinion often acts quickly, fueled by viral posts, before facts have been verified.

The Impact on James and What Needs to Change

For James, the fallout has been deeply personal. As a father and husband, his daily life and mental wellbeing have been disrupted. Clients and potential passengers may now avoid booking him. Friends trying to help say he is worried about long-term damage to his reputation.

This kind of episode highlights urgent gaps in safety systems:

• Verification and vetting: Ride-hail apps should ensure that posts of accusations are balanced by verified facts and prompt investigations.
• Moderation of user-generated content: Social media and platforms must have policies to handle defamatory claims, especially when they can threaten someone’s means of earning.
• Support systems for drivers: Unions and platforms should provide legal aid or mediation when drivers are falsely accused.
• Public awareness: Passengers should be skeptical of narratives on social media without evidence; everyone is vulnerable to misinterpretation.

Similar Incidents and the Role of Platforms

The ride-hailing sector in Nigeria has seen several safety scares:

• AUATON’s boycott of InDrive in Lagos over security concerns and unfair fare policies underscored drivers’ fears that inadequate protections expose them to danger.
• The incident where a driver locked a child in a car boot sparked outrage and raised questions about how drivers are vetted.
• Passengers alleging assault, harassment, or threat from drivers because of disagreements or fare issues are also not uncommon.

Platforms like InDrive have often responded with apologies, temporary suspensions, or investigations. But many users and drivers feel these responses are reactive rather than preventive.

Conclusion: Why This Case Matters

James Oluwatosin’s case isn’t just about one man’s car breakdown or one woman’s fear. It reflects a broader system where perception can become reality, especially online, and can destroy livelihoods if not managed with care.

In a country where safety infrastructure, app regulation, and public trust are still evolving, both ride-hailing platforms and regulators must do more. James deserves a fair hearing. Social media users deserve accurate information. And passengers deserve safe, trustworthy services.

Until then, incidents like this will continue to highlight how precarious things are for drivers and how fragile public trust can be.