Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In an era where financial hardship often tests moral resolve, Faiza Abdulkadir, a cleaner from Maiduguri, Borno State, stands as a testament to the enduring power of integrity. Earning a modest N30,000 monthly salary, Faiza, a single mother of five who also supports her aged mother, faced a life-challenging moment when N4.8 million was mistakenly deposited into her bank account.
Her decision to return every kobo of the money, despite her own financial struggles, has not only captured national attention but also sparked a wave of admiration and rewards for her extraordinary honesty.
Faiza Abdulkadir, employed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, discovered the erroneous deposit and was soon contacted by the rightful owner, a man from Kebbi State. Living in a single room provided by prominent cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Sale in the Gwange, Zawiyya area of Maiduguri, Faiza supports her family on her meagre income.
The sudden appearance of N4.8 million equivalent to over 13 years of her salary could have been a temptation for many. Yet, guided by her faith and a deep sense of right and wrong, Faiza chose to act with unwavering honesty.
In an interview with News Central TV, Faiza explained her reasoning: “The money does not belong to me. I returned it to have peace of mind and to avoid God’s punishment on the Day of Judgement.” She described the three days it took to complete the bank transfer process as a period of restlessness, during which she could barely eat or sleep.
“I was restless throughout these three days. In fact, I couldn’t eat well throughout the process, until the day I finally transferred the money to the owner,” she said. Her actions were driven not by the expectation of reward but by a profound commitment to her spiritual and ethical values.
Faiza’s decision is particularly striking in the context of Nigeria’s economic challenges, where inflation and rising costs have strained many households. Her story contrasts sharply with other incidents, such as a case reported by a bank official in Maiduguri, where a customer spent mistakenly transferred funds, leading to police involvement and unrecovered losses. “Despite her condition, this woman chose to fear God and do the right thing,” Babagana Kolo noted.
Her honesty resonated widely, with bank officials and local residents describing her as a woman of exceptional character. The community admiration was echoed on social media, where her story went viral, inspiring countless Nigerians to reflect on the values of honesty and moral courage.
In August 2025, the First Lady of Borno State, Dr. Falmata Babagana Zulum, honoured Faiza at a special event in Maiduguri. Dr. Zulum presented her with a cash gift of N1 million, praising her as a role model for all.
“I’m pleased that a person of such calibre is a woman from Borno State. She should be a role model for all men and women in Borno State,” Dr. Zulum said. Additionally, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, announced further support, including vocational equipment and food items to aid Faiza’s family.
The recognition continued in September 2025, when Aisha Muhammad Aisami, president of the Da’awah Wal Irshaad Women Organisation, presented Faiza with a N2.5 million cheque from an anonymous donor who was moved by her story.
Faiza expressed gratitude, reiterating her belief in the importance of fearing God and preparing for the hereafter. “If you fear God, anything that does not belong to you would not attract you,” she said, urging others to uphold ethical boundaries.
In total, Faiza received N3.5 million in cash rewards, alongside vocational support and food items, transforming her act of honesty into tangible support for her family.
Faiza’s story is not an isolated incident. Globally, mistaken bank deposits have tested individuals’ integrity. In 2019, Ruth Balloon in Texas returned $37 million mistakenly credited to her account, citing similar ethical convictions. Conversely, cases like that of Kelyn Spadoni in New Orleans, who was arrested in 2021 for spending $1.2 million of mistakenly deposited funds, illustrate the legal consequences of keeping such money.
In Nigeria, a mechanic’s return of N10.8 million in 2024 earned him praise and rewards, much like Faiza.
In 2023, a tricycle rider in Kano, Auwalu Salisu (Adai Daita Sahu), returned N15 million that was forgotten by a passenger from Chad. Consequently, he was rewarded with cash, a scholarship for education, and a brand-new Keke Napep in appreciation of his action.
In August 2024, an employee of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Auwal Dankode, returned $10,000 found while cleaning an aircraft—equivalent to about N16 million. He too was rewarded for his honesty.
These actions show more than single acts of honesty they are powerful reminders that integrity transcends financial status or circumstance. Their decisions to return huge sums, despite modest means, have earned not only financial rewards but also admiration as symbols of moral courage.
“These actions challenge us to reflect on our own values and the choices we make in moments of temptation,” said Yahaya Sani, a resident of Damaturu.