A disturbing incident involving an inDrive driver in Lagos has raised serious safety concerns about ride-hailing services in Nigeria. Passengers who booked a ride through the inDrive app were shocked to discover a child crying from inside the car’s boot during their journey.
According to social media influencer VDM, who shared a viral video of the event, the passengers initially mistook the cries for loud music. Their suspicions grew, prompting them to ask the driver to stop and open the boot, where they found the child hidden inside. The driver claimed the child was his but failed to provide a clear explanation, leading the passengers to alert the police.
The situation escalated when an influential individual reportedly intervened at the police station, demanding the driver’s release. This has sparked speculation about possible corruption or complicity involving security officials.
The incident has reignited debates about the safety of ride-hailing platforms like inDrive, which operates in over 600 cities worldwide. Despite safety features such as 24/7 support and identity verification, critics argue these measures are insufficient in regions with high crime rates.
Legal experts warn that transporting a child in such a dangerous manner is a serious offense, with potential penalties including imprisonment. The case has also brought attention to broader issues of child trafficking and endangerment in Nigeria.
Passengers and the public are calling for stricter regulations and more robust safety protocols to protect users of ride-hailing services. inDrive has yet to issue an official response, but pressure is mounting for the company and authorities to act swiftly.
