Uber Driver Arrested in Lagos After Allegedly Disappearing With N1m iPhone 16 Delivery

A Lagos-based Uber driver has been arrested after allegedly disappearing with an iPhone 16 entrusted to him for delivery, sparking outrage on social media and renewed concerns over trust in delivery services.

The incident began when an X user identified as Ashake, with the handle #Molayoo_, raised an alarm on Saturday, calling out the ride-hailing company after the device went missing during transit.

According to her account, the driver picked up the phone in Egbeda for delivery to Ikeja but abruptly cancelled the trip midway and became unreachable. The missing item was described as an iPhone 16 valued at over ₦1 million.

She publicly identified the driver as Augustine Adimabua and demanded action from the platform, describing the device as part of a business transaction that needed urgent recovery.

Following the online outcry, efforts were made to trace the driver, which eventually led to his location being identified and the situation escalating.

On Thursday, Ashake provided an update confirming that the suspect had been apprehended and handed over to authorities. She further alleged that the device had been sold for ₦400,000.

“He has been caught and handed over to the right authorities. Thank you to every single one of you who made this possible. He sold iPhone 16 of over 1m, he sold it for 400k,” she wrote.

In a video that has since gone viral, the driver admitted receiving the device but claimed it was a 256GB iPhone 16 worth about ₦1.2 million. However, when questioned about its whereabouts, he insisted the phone had been stolen.

“The phone was stolen,” he said during the confrontation, despite repeated demands for clarification.

The exchange reportedly became tense, with those confronting him accusing him of dishonesty, while his wife appeared visibly shocked by the unfolding events.

The case has triggered widespread reactions online, with many users sharing similar experiences involving missing or delayed deliveries and calling for tighter accountability in the ride-hailing and logistics sector.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations as the incident highlights growing concerns over the safety of high-value items transported through app-based delivery services in Lagos.