A cleaner at a tertiary hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State, Faiza Abdulkadir, has earned nationwide praise for returning ₦4.8 million that was mistakenly credited to her bank account.
The story, first reported by News Central TV on 24 August, went viral on X, where many Nigerians hailed her honesty despite the country’s harsh economic climate.
Faiza, who earns only ₦30,000 a month and lives with her five children in a single room provided by cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Sali at Gongi, explained in her native language that she could not keep the money in good conscience.
“When I confirmed it was genuine, I knew it wasn’t my money. That was why I returned it for my peace of mind and my quest for paradise,” she said. She added that the three days it took the bank to reverse the error left her anxious and unable to eat.
Despite her difficult circumstances, she resisted the temptation to spend the money. Residents of Maiduguri described her as a role model and urged the government to recognise her integrity.
Community member Salius Yusuf said her action moved him emotionally: “People in this environment often claim money that isn’t theirs, but she thought about the hereafter despite her struggles.”
Activist Bashir Mohammed called for her to receive a national honour, stressing that such honesty should be celebrated.
Following her selfless act, well-wishers have contributed over ₦135,000 to support Faiza and her children, while calls grow for empowerment initiatives to improve her livelihood.