Borno Cleaner Who Returned N4.8m To Owner Gets N1m, Other Gifts from Government
- A cleaner in Borno state has been celebrated for returning N4.8 million mistakenly credited to her account, despite earning just N30,000 monthly
- Faiza Abdulkadir’s act of honesty earned her a N1 million reward from the First Lady, Dr. Falmata Babagana Zulum, and further support from the state government
- Her story has sparked admiration across Nigeria, showcasing integrity and moral courage in the face of financial hardship
The First Lady of Borno state, Dr. Falmata Babagana Zulum, has honoured Faiza Abdulkadir, a cleaner at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, for her extraordinary act of integrity in returning N4.8 million mistakenly credited to her bank account.
At a special event held in Maiduguri, Dr. Zulum presented Faiza with a cash gift of N1 million, praising her as a role model for both men and women in Borno State.

Source: Twitter
“I’m pleased that a person of such calibre is a woman from Borno State,” the First Lady said. “She should be a role model for all.”
Faiza, who earns a modest monthly salary of N30,000, supports five children and her aged mother. Despite her financial constraints, she chose to return the money, which had been mistakenly transferred to her account by a man from Kebbi state.
According to reports by Daily Trust, Faiza, a resident of Gwange, Zawiyya of Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh, received the alert and was soon contacted by the rightful owner. She promptly visited her bank and initiated the process to return the funds, which took three days to complete.
Speaking to journalists, Faiza said her decision was driven by religious conviction.
“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,” she explained.
She added that the waiting period was emotionally taxing.
“I was restless throughout those three days. In fact, I couldn’t eat well until I finally returned the money,” she told News Central.
Borno government commends Faiza’s integrity
The state commissioner for women affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, also announced additional support for Faiza, including vocational equipment and food items. Gambo described Faiza’s action as “a rare and inspiring display of integrity,” adding that it demonstrated how honesty is rooted in character, not wealth.
Faiza’s neighbours and bank officials echoed similar sentiments, describing her as a disciplined woman who lives modestly and instils strong values in her children. “We were not surprised because of her discipline and the way she is raising her children,” one neighbour said.
A bank staff member also commended her honesty, contrasting it with a previous incident where a customer spent mistakenly transferred funds, leading to police involvement and unresolved losses. “Despite her condition, this woman chose to fear God and do the right thing,” he said.

Source: Twitter
Borno cleaner returns money mistakenly sent
Legit.ng earlier reported how Faiza Abdulkadir returned the N4.8 million mistakenly paid into her bank account.

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According to News Central, Abdulkadir’s decision to return the full amount has sparked national admiration, with many praising her moral courage in the face of financial hardship.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng