The Incident: A Negative Review Triggers a Torrent of Harassment
Tobi Afolabi, a user of the ride-hailing service inDrive, found himself embroiled in a disturbing situation following a negative review he posted about a driver. Afolabi, who uses the handle #uxtobiaf on X (formerly Twitter), shared his ordeal publicly, alleging that the driver, whom he named in his posts, and the driver’s associates had subjected him to a barrage of harassment and threats. The incident began after Afolabi rated the driver two stars and commented on his impolite behavior and disregard for the suggested route during a ride on March 16, 2025.
The Driver’s Response: Veiled Threats and Intimidation
The driver, seemingly incensed by the negative review, contacted Afolabi via WhatsApp. The conversation quickly escalated from questioning Afolabi’s motives for the review to thinly veiled threats, with the driver ominously asking why some people "sleep and don’t wake up again." Despite Afolabi’s requests to cease contact, the driver continued his aggressive messaging, suggesting he would make Afolabi "famous" and implying that the review was motivated by financial incentives from inDrive. The driver’s messages clearly conveyed a sense of menace and intimidation, leaving Afolabi feeling threatened and unsafe.
Escalation and Wider Harassment: A Network of Intimidation
The harassment extended beyond the driver himself. Afolabi reported receiving a wave of threatening messages and calls from individuals he believed to be the driver’s colleagues. This orchestrated campaign of intimidation amplified the initial threat and created a sense of vulnerability for Afolabi, who felt targeted and harassed by a network of individuals connected to the driver. The sheer volume of calls and messages further underscored the severity of the situation, transforming a single negative review into a sustained campaign of harassment.
inDrive’s Response: Public Assurance and Private Inaction
Afolabi criticized inDrive’s initial handling of the situation, stating that their in-app support had been unresponsive and offered only generic apologies. While the company publicly responded to Afolabi’s viral post on X, expressing concern and promising to take action, Afolabi claimed that their private response had been inadequate. This discrepancy between public pronouncements and private actions raises questions about the effectiveness of inDrive’s safety protocols and their commitment to protecting their users from driver harassment.
The Larger Implications: Safety Concerns and Platform Accountability
This incident highlights broader concerns about passenger safety within the ride-hailing industry and the responsibility of platforms like inDrive to protect their users. The ease with which the driver obtained Afolabi’s contact information and the apparent coordination of the harassment campaign raise questions about data security and the potential for misuse of personal information. Furthermore, the alleged inaction of inDrive’s support team underscores the need for robust mechanisms to address driver misconduct and protect passengers from retaliation for expressing legitimate concerns.
The Need for Change: Strengthening Safety Protocols and Enforcement
The experience of Tobi Afolabi serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by ride-hailing users and the urgent need for improved safety measures. Ride-hailing platforms must prioritize passenger safety by implementing stronger data protection protocols, developing effective mechanisms for reporting and investigating harassment, and taking decisive action against drivers who engage in threatening or intimidating behavior. Furthermore, platforms should invest in robust support systems that can provide timely and effective assistance to users who experience harassment or other safety concerns. Only through proactive measures and a commitment to accountability can ride-hailing platforms ensure the safety and well-being of their users.
