Cleaner Who Returned N4.8 Million Receives N1 Million, Other Rewards

The First Lady of Borno State, Dr. Falmata Babagana Zulum, has recognized the honesty of Faiza Abdulkadir, a cleaner at the niversity of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, who recently returned N4.8 million mistakenly credited to her bank account.

Faiza, a mother of five and caretaker of her elderly mother, earns a modest monthly salary of N30,000. In a ceremony held in her honour, Mrs. Zulum presented her with a cash gift of N1 million to support her family.

“I’m proud that a person of such integrity is a woman from Borno State. She should serve as a role model for all men and women in the state,” said the First Lady.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, also announced additional support for Faiza, including vocational equipment and food items. “Her action, especially given her financial challenges, is a rare and inspiring display of honesty. It shows that integrity is determined by character, not wealth,” Gambo said.

According to reports, Faiza, a resident of Gwange, Zawiyya of Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh, received an unexpected alert of N4.8 million mistakenly transferred to her account by a man from Kebbi State. After contacting the owner and obtaining his account details, she returned the full amount, a process that took three days.

“The money does not belong to me. I returned it to have peace of mind and avoid God’s punishment on the Day of Judgment,” Faiza told News Central. She added that the delay caused her significant stress, making it difficult to eat until the money was safely returned.

Neighbours and bank staff praised Faiza’s honesty and modest lifestyle. “We were not surprised by her actions. She is disciplined and raises her children with good values,” one neighbour said. A bank employee added, “Despite her financial situation, she chose to do the right thing, unlike other cases where mistakenly received money was spent.”

Faiza’s integrity has now earned her recognition, financial reward, and community admiration, serving as a shining example of honesty in Borno State.