From brooms to beans: the wildest things passengers forgot in Ubers this year

Ever left something behind in an Uber? Maybe your keys? Your wallet? Don’t worry, as you’re not alone. According to Uber’s  annual 2025 Lost & Found Index, forgetfulness was the vibe of the year, especially on October 26, which somehow became the unofficial global “Forget Everything Day.”

1.7 million people forgot their phones in Ubers in 2024. I mean, how? That thing is practically your third hand! And it didn’t stop there. The top three most-forgotten items? Phones, keys, and wallets aka– the holy trinity of modern-day survival.

Astrologers blame it on Mercury in retrograde, and to be honest, they might be onto something because April 5 saw over 7,000 reports of lost items. Maybe the moon said, “Drop it.” Meanwhile, New York City earned the crown for the most forgetful city globally (but don’t worry, Lagos, you were spiritually there in spirit).

As for colours? Red is clearly on a mission to disappear from the planet, as over 8,000 red-colored items were lost. And of course, Apple topped the charts as the most forgotten brand as iPhones and AirPods just vanished like pocket money during Detty December.

Here are our Top 10 hilariously unforgettable things riders left behind this year.

 1. Breast milk

        Somebody’s baby is crying somewhere o! How do you explain this one at home?

2. DNA testing kit

This one must have been a family meeting waiting to happen. Somebody’s uncle dodged a bullet.

3. Witch’s broom

If you see an Uber driver flying at night, now you know why. Abeg!

4. Divorce papers

Now this is the definition of “I’ve moved on.”

5. Boiled eggs and a candle

Looks like someone was planning a midnight ritual… or maybe just a protein-filled prayer session.

6. Clase Azul (premium tequila)

Whoever forgot this has officially committed financial sacrilege. That’s like misplacing a whole December!

7. Glasses

Irony of the year as you can’t find what you can’t see.

8. Wallet or purse

Some of you made that ride too cheap. Tipping with your entire bank card? Bold.

9. Gold teeth

Only in Uber will you find bling with bite. Somebody’s smile is not smiling anymore.

10. Five gallons of beans

What was the plan? Open a buka from the back seat? Nigerians, please explain.

Uber riders have left behind some truly unforgettable items this year,” said Camiel Irving, VP of Operations and GM of Mobility US&C at Uber. “Whether essential or totally unusual, we understand how important it is to be reunited with your lost belongings. The Uber Lost & Found Index celebrates the most unique and commonly forgotten items, while reminding riders that getting support to retrieve their prized possessions is simple through the Uber app.”

Before exiting your ride, do a quick check to ensure all your belongings are with you. Because as Uber’s Lost & Found Index shows, anything can vanish  from the mundane to the utterly magical.

And as we say in Nigeria, shine your eye well-well before you say “thank you” and bounce.