Ride-hailing company, inDrive, says it is investigating the alleged attack and robbery of a driver by passengers on its platform. In a statement by a company spokesperson seen by Technext, th
Ride-hailing company, inDrive, says it is investigating the alleged attack and robbery of a driver by passengers on its platform. In a statement by a company spokesperson seen by Technext, the company said it was aware of the incident that occurred in Ajao Estate, Lagos.
Technext reported that a driver operating on the platform was robbed at gunpoint by the passengers he went to pick up. Emphasising that it takes incidents of this nature very seriously and that the safety and wellbeing of everyone who uses its platform is of the highest priority, the company said it is launching an investigation to establish the facts.
“We have launched an internal investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident. As part of this process, the passenger’s account has been blocked while the matter is under review, and our team is conducting a thorough assessment, including re-engaging with the passenger,” the statement reads.
Timothy Oladimeji, inDrive Country Representative in Nigeria
inDrive also expressed willingness to cooperate fully with the relevant law enforcement authorities and provide any information that may assist their investigation, in accordance with applicable laws and its privacy obligations.
“We remain committed to taking appropriate action based on the final findings of our internal investigation,” the statement reads.
Technext reported that the driver was robbed at gunpoint on Sunday, October 25, in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos. Narrating the incident, the driver said he picked up the request on inDrive at about 4.30 am. On getting to the location, one of the riders got into the back seat while the other hopped into the front. The ride began, and along the way, the man in front pulled out a pistol and demanded the car. The helpless driver had no other choice but to surrender his car.
This safety concern comes even as e-hailing companies constantly emphasise how much they have invested in safety. Despite this, safety continues to be a major issue in ride-hailing, with drivers constantly facing potentially life-threatening risks while trying to feed their families.
Lamenting the incident, Steven Iwindoye, the PRO of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) in Lagos State, accused the app company of not taking safety on its platform seriously.
“Where are the effective passenger verification measures? Where is the emergency response system that drivers can rely on when their lives are in danger? What practical support is available to a driver who becomes a victim of a violent crime? We understand that no ride-hailing company can completely eliminate crime. But that is precisely why stronger safeguards, effective monitoring and a reliable emergency response system are necessary,” AUATON said.
The development also comes at a time when inDrive’s liability in its Terms of Use came under scrutiny after it was discovered that the company refuses to be liable for the safety of both drivers and riders on its app. The company has since implemented a review of its Terms of Use to assume more liability and be more responsible for the people who power its business.
Perhaps this robbery incident presents an opportunity for the company to show how responsible it can be for the safety of its people.
