The Real Story Behind the InDrive Robbery: Itohan and the Suspended Lagos Driver Releases Statements

• The popular ride-hailing app InDrive is trending after a Lagos driver was suspended following claims by a passenger, Itohan, who accused him of staging a fake car breakdown to aid robbers at Onipanu.

The popular ride-hailing platform InDrive has become the center of online controversy after a Lagos-based driver was suspended over an alleged setup that led to a robbery incident involving a passenger named Itohan.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday evening, when Itohan and her friend ordered an InDrive ride from Surulere to Mafoluku, Oshodi, at a fare of ₦4,800. During the journey, Itohan claimed that the driver faked a car breakdown at Onipanu, deliberately stalling the vehicle to allow hoodlums attack them.

According to her statement, the driver remained in the car as thugs surrounded and robbed her and her friend. She alleged that the robbers offered them a choice — either get robbed or make a transfer. The ordeal reportedly lasted between 8:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.

Following her report on social media, InDrive suspended the driver, identified as James Oluwatosin, who had a 4.85-star rating, pending investigation.

The Driver’s Side of the Story

However, Oluwatosin has come out to debunk the claims, describing the entire report as false and damaging. He explained that his car suddenly went off around Onipanu — the dashboard lights went off, indicating an electrical fault. Using the car’s momentum, he parked safely in a well-lit corner to check under the hood.

He said he asked the passengers to remain in the car and lock the doors for safety, but Itohan refused and stepped out. While he was troubleshooting with his mechanic via phone, a street preacher approached the ladies, followed shortly by a group of area boys demanding settlement.

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Oluwatosin claimed he tried to negotiate with them, but they insisted on ₦20,000. He said he only had ₦1,000 on him, while Itohan intervened and began haggling with the thugs. After back-and-forth negotiation, she allegedly transferred ₦8,000 to them to let them go.

The driver said the area boys eventually helped him fix the car’s minor issue before everyone continued the trip. Itohan’s friend reportedly alighted at Oshodi Bridge, while Itohan dropped at Mafoluku, paying the driver ₦4,000 instead of the agreed ₦4,800 — a gesture he accepted, considering the inconvenience.

The Aftermath

The next day, Oluwatosin said he discovered his InDrive account had been suspended, and upon learning the report came from Itohan, he was shocked. He maintained that his vehicle still has the same electrical fault and that the ₦4,000 payment remains in his account.

He accused Itohan of fabricating the robbery story, possibly because of a misunderstanding during the incident. The driver also denied insinuations that he blamed the ladies’ mode of dressing, clarifying that he never made such statements.

Meanwhile, social media reactions have been divided. Some users believe the driver’s version, while others insist that InDrive should be cautious and prioritize passenger safety. The issue has reignited discussions about ride-hailing security and the recurring problem of area boys extorting motorists in Lagos.

As the story continues to unfold, both parties maintain their positions, while many Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) call for a balanced investigation before judgment is passed.