I Was Pickpocketed in Lagos: How a Korope Driver Stole My Phone and My Money

I never imagined that a regular morning commute to work could turn into one of the most painful experiences of my life. It started like any other day—I left home feeling good, hopeful about the day ahead. I had no idea that within a few hours, I would be robbed, confused, and drained—not just financially, but emotionally. 

"This must never happen to someone else!"

This is my story, not just as a warning to others, but as a way to release the pain and hopefully help someone avoid what I went through.

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That morning, I got to the bus stop and saw a “korope” (the small commercial buses in Lagos). I asked the driver how much it would cost to get to my destination. He said ₦200, which was fair. I boarded. There was already a passenger beside me, and we were both sitting at the back sit to the driver.

I kept my phone in the front left pocket of my trousers—something I’ve always done without issues. As the journey started, the driver stopped shortly to allow a fat lady to board. He folded one of the chairs and asked me to help hold it so the lady could enter without it falling and possibly injuring her. Wanting to be helpful, I stretched my hands to hold the chair—completely unaware that I was being set up.

What I didn’t know was that, while I was helping, the driver had already dipped his hand into my pocket and stolen my phone. It was so smooth, I didn’t feel a thing. The passenger beside me? I don’t even know if he was involved. The lady? Possibly part of the act too. In that moment, it felt like I was surrounded by strangers—but maybe by thieves too.

Shortly after, the driver suddenly changed the fare from ₦200 to ₦300. I was shocked. He used the price increase as a tactic to get me off the bus after successfully stealing from me. I refused to pay the new amount and got off. I didn't realize what had truly happened until I boarded another bus and got to my destination.

That's when I checked my pocket—and reality hit. My phone was gone.

My heart sank.

I was confused. I had never experienced something like this before. I didn’t know what step to take. Still in shock, I went to work and explained the situation to my friends. They advised me to quickly block my SIM and report to the banks.

I followed their advice.

I went to my SIM provider’s office and blocked the line. I also went to the banks to secure my accounts. But to my deepest regret, the damage had already begun.

Despite blocking my SIM and alerting the banks, I started seeing unauthorized transactions on several of my accounts. They had already used my USSD banking to withdraw my money. I called the SIM office, angry, and they apologized, saying the SIM blocking only took effect after some time—enough time for the thief to exploit everything.

All my hard-earned money—gone. Just like that.

It hurts. Deeply. Especially in this current economy where survival is already tough. I’m struggling to build myself, to grow something meaningful, and just like that, I'm set back five times. Not because I was careless, but because I tried to help someone. What kind of world are we in?

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I’m still trying to process everything. I feel sad, angry, and defeated. But most of all, I feel like this must never happen to someone else. If you’re reading this, please be careful out there. Lagos is tough, and not everyone is who they seem to be. Keep your belongings secure, especially in buses. Be alert—even when you think you’re just helping.

To those who steal from struggling people, may you realize the pain you cause. And to everyone out there hustling honestly: stay safe, and don’t stop trying. This world may knock us down, but we rise again.