A Lagos-based small business owner has ignited a fiery controversy on social media after publicly accusing a dispatch rider of consuming a customer's food order. The incident, which unfolded online, has drawn significant attention to the challenges within Nigeria's growing delivery economy.
The Business Owner's Allegations
In a detailed video posted to her social media page, the entrepreneur explained the sequence of events. She stated that she engaged the rider to deliver a parfait to a client. Upon reaching the delivery location, the rider attempted to call the customer, who reportedly missed the call while using the bathroom.
The situation soured when the customer returned the call. According to the seller, the rider responded with rudeness, instructing the customer never to call him again about the delivery. Matters worsened with a subsequent delivery attempt. The business owner claimed that from around 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM, the parfait was neither successfully delivered nor returned to her shop, despite numerous calls and follow-ups.
When the item was finally brought back, she made a startling discovery. She alleged that the fruits inside the parfait container were missing, leading her to conclude that someone had eaten them. The seller emphasized that this was not the rider's first instance of unprofessional behavior and expressed frustration that he was still paid for the failed job.
The Rider's Counter-Claim and Online Fallout
As the video gained traction and spread across platforms like Instagram, the dispatch rider entered the fray with his own version of events. In a response, he made a serious counter-allegation, claiming that the business owner had been making romantic or inappropriate advances towards him.
The seller swiftly denied this accusation in a follow-up video. She strongly insisted that she never made any advances, framing the rider's claim as a deflection from the core issue of professional misconduct. This exchange transformed a delivery dispute into a full-blown online drama, with netizens taking sides and debating the credibility of both parties.
Broader Implications for Nigeria's Gig Economy
This incident highlights recurring tensions in Nigeria's freelance delivery sector. It underscores issues of trust, accountability, and professional boundaries between service providers and clients. For many small businesses that rely on third-party riders, such conflicts can damage customer relationships and brand reputation.
The event also demonstrates the power of social media as a public accountability tool, but also its role in escalating personal disputes. The original video was shared on the popular blog, Linda Ikeji's Instagram page (@lindaikejiblogofficial) on December 22, 2025, ensuring it reached a massive audience.
Ultimately, the parfait saga serves as a cautionary tale for both merchants and delivery agents. It stresses the need for clear communication, reliable service protocols, and professional conduct to sustain the burgeoning gig economy in Nigerian cities like Lagos.
