A passenger in Abuja has sued the popular ride-hailing and delivery service, inDrive, for negligence and breach of duty of care after alleging that one of its dispatch riders stole her goods. The event has spurred new discussions about user safety and responsibility on Nigerian digital transportation networks.
The lawsuit was brought on behalf of Ms. Deborah Godfrey Bassey, according to a pre-action notice submitted on Thursday, September 30, by Associate Counsel Piye Garuba of the Law Office of Chigbue & Chigbue. According to the legal notification, inDrive failed to provide adequate oversight and accountability for its registered rider, Chukwudi Chinemere Maduakor, whose alleged wrongdoing resulted in financial loss and emotional suffering.
“We are solicitors to Ms. Deborah Godfrey Bassey (‘our client’), on whose behalf we issue this formal notice against your organization, inDrive Nigeria, in respect of the negligent and irresponsible conduct of one of your registered dispatch riders,” part of the letter reads. It stated that the rider’s actions led to the loss of valuable items, embarrassment, and severe emotional trauma.
The case, which is currently circulating online, involves allegations of conversion, negligence, and violation of duty of care. Ms. Bassey is requesting a written apology from inDrive along with ₦15 million in general damages. The notice also threatened to start legal action without further notice if the corporation did not reply within seven days of October 30, 2025.
The lawsuit is said to have started on October 16, 2025. Ms. Bassey requested a dispatch service from No. 11 Turner Crescent, Wuye, to Gold City Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, using the inDrive app. A Burgundy Bone Straight wig worth ₦450,000, two rings, a bowl of food, and two packs of biscuits totaling approximately ₦800,000 were among the items that needed to be delivered.
After negotiating a fare of ₦2,700, the rider confirmed pickup through the app and began the trip. However, moments later, he allegedly called to ask whether the drop-off point was Lokogoma or Lugbe, despite already confirming the destination. When told Lugbe, he reportedly replied, “Lugbe for ₦2,700? I’m not going again,” and abruptly cut off communication. Shortly after, the sender received an in-app notification stating that the rider had “driven off with the packages.”
Both Ms. Bassey and the sender were subsequently blocked on all platforms. Attempts to reach the rider or the company’s support team reportedly yielded no results. According to the lawsuit, Ms. Bassey later reached out to inDrive through her Instagram handle, @Ediyeeyenefik, but did not receive any helpful feedback. With police intervention, the rider was eventually traced to the Orozo axis of Abuja and apprehended, though the lost items were never recovered.
The plaintiff claims that inDrive failed to exercise proper oversight, exposing customers to safety risks and financial losses. “Our client has suffered severe emotional distress, embarrassment, and inconvenience as a direct result of your platform’s failure to ensure safety and accountability,” the notice reads.
This incident comes just a few weeks after the business was embroiled in yet another scandal when an inDrive driver in Lagos was charged with conspiring with thieves; the company subsequently refuted the accusation following an investigation.
The ₦15 million lawsuit now puts inDrive in the spotlight once again, raising pressing questions about user protection, trust, and the level of oversight among ride-hailing and delivery platforms operating in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
