Honest heroes: Nigerians who found and returned millions without a second thought
Who’s Lucky Okoro? Meet Abia Keke driver who returned N4m forgotten by passenger
In a country often overwhelmed by headlines of corruption, hardship, and distrust, some everyday Nigerians are quietly rewriting the narrative—armed with nothing but integrity.
From bustling markets in Aba to busy streets in Kano, ordinary citizens have stunned the nation by choosing honesty over temptation, returning millions of naira forgotten by strangers.
These unsung heroes—tricycle riders, cleaners, okada men, and security guards—didn’t just return missing money; they restored public faith in the Nigerian spirit.
Their stories, simple yet powerful, went viral, sparked national conversations, and earned them admiration, rewards, and sometimes, life-changing opportunities.
1. Emmanuel Obodoezie (Abia State, May 2025)
A tricycle (keke) driver in Aba, Emmanuel Obodoezie, returned ₦2.04 million forgotten by a trader. His honesty earned him a ₦1.4 million reward from Abia State Governor Alex Otti. The story sparked state-wide admiration and calls for him to be used as a role model.
2. Lucky Okoro (Abia State, June 2025)
Another Abia-based keke driver, Lucky Okoro, returned ₦4 million forgotten by a Cameroonian passenger. Despite suggestions that he was “a mugu” (fool) for not keeping the money, he insisted he was “not a mugu” and proud of his values. He trended for days across social media and news platforms.
3. Auwalu Salisu (Kano State, 2023)
A 22-year-old keke driver from Yankaba, Kano, Auwalu Salisu, returned a whopping ₦15 million left in his vehicle by a foreign trader. He received ₦400,000 as a reward and was offered scholarships and marriage proposals, including four potential wives from a matchmaking group.
4. Josephine Ugwu (Lagos Airport, multiple years)
An airport cleaner, Josephine Ugwu, returned over ₦12 million forgotten in restrooms and boarding lounges on several occasions at Lagos Airport between 2014 and 2017. Her repeated honesty led to her being offered a permanent job with FAAN and public commendation from government officials.
READ ALSO
Who’s Lucky Okoro? Meet Abia Keke driver who returned N4m forgotten by passenger
5. Usman Abdullahi (Jigawa State, 2021)
A security guard in Jigawa, Usman Abdullahi, found and returned ₦2.5 million to a customer who had lost the cash outside a bank. He was hailed by his local government chairman and given a certificate of integrity.
6. Bashir Ahmad (Kano State, 2020)
An okada rider (motorcycle taxi operator), Bashir Ahmad, returned ₦500,000 to a passenger who had left a bag on his bike. Though poor, he said he believed Allah would reward him more than any money could. His action was celebrated on social media and picked up by several national newspapers.
7. Musa Garba (Abuja, 2019)
A street cleaner in Abuja, Musa Garba, found a lost handbag containing foreign currency, jewelry, and an international passport. He turned it in to security officers. The woman who lost the bag rewarded him, and he was commended by the FCT administration.
8. Yahaya Usman (Kaduna, 2018)
A petrol station attendant in Kaduna, Yahaya Usman, discovered a customer had overpaid by ₦200,000. He chased the car down and returned the money. The story went viral and the station’s owners promoted him shortly afterward.
These stories highlight how integrity among everyday Nigerians continues to shine, even amid economic hardship. They serve as a reminder that character still matters and that many citizens are upholding moral values in their daily lives.