By Deborah Nnamdi
Faiza Abdulkadir, a cleaner at a tertiary hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State, has captured the hearts of Nigerians nationwide after returning a staggering N4.8 million that was mistakenly deposited into her bank account.
The story, originally reported by News Central TV on August 24th, has since gone viral on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where many have hailed her rare display of integrity amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Faiza, who earns just N30,000 a month, lives in a single-room apartment in Gongi with her five children. The room was provided by prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Sali. Speaking in her native language—translated into English—she shared the emotional turmoil she endured upon discovering the unexpected credit.
“When I confirmed the money was real, I knew it wasn’t mine,” she said. “I decided to return it for my peace of mind and for the sake of paradise.
“These past three days, I couldn’t eat. I was overwhelmed with fear. The bank process was frustrating, but I was relieved once the money was returned.”
Despite her difficult living conditions, Faiza never considered keeping the money. Her story has drawn widespread admiration for her unshakable values and moral courage.
Resident Salius Yusuf reflected on her integrity, saying:
“In a society where many people claim ownership of what isn’t theirs, she stands out. Her condition is dire, yet her concern was about doing what’s right—even thinking about the afterlife. It moved me deeply.”
Activist Bashir Mohammed echoed similar sentiments:
“This is the kind of woman the government should support. She deserves national recognition. In the face of poverty, she chose honesty. That’s remarkable.”
Following the public reaction, over N135,000 has already been raised by well-meaning Nigerians to support Faiza and her family. Many are calling on the government and philanthropic organizations to empower her and improve her living conditions.
To many, Faiza Abdulkadir has become a shining example of integrity—a role model in a time when stories like hers are few and far between.
