A small-scale trader in Niger State has captured national attention after voluntarily returning ₦330 million mistakenly deposited into her account, demonstrating remarkable honesty despite facing public criticism for her decision.
Aisha Isah Yelwa, who runs a petty trading business in Lapai, discovered the unexplained sum in her First Bank account on the evening of December 29, 2025, at approximately 3:49 p.m.
The trader had been monitoring her account following persistent complaints about unauthorized loan-related deductions affecting her small business operations.
“I encountered an amount beyond anything I’d ever seen in my account,” Mrs. Yelwa recounted.
She noted the absence of any credit notification, transaction details, or sender information accompanying the mysterious deposit.
To verify whether the balance reflected an actual deposit or merely a system error, she conducted a test transfer of ₦1 million. The transaction processed successfully, yet no alert arrived—deepening her concern about the situation’s legitimacy.
Rather than exploit the windfall, Mrs. Yelwa waited until the following morning to report the discrepancy at First Bank’s Lapai branch, accompanied by legal counsel to ensure proper documentation.
Bank investigations revealed a system malfunction had caused the erroneous credit, prompting immediate reversal procedures. The branch manager praised her integrity during the resolution process.
Mrs. Yelwa’s decision sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning her choice to forfeit such a substantial amount. However, she remained resolute in her conviction.
“My conscience guided this decision, and I considered my children’s future,” she explained, adding that personal fulfillment from doing right outweighed any material temptation.
The bank provided assurances that she bears no legal responsibility and would only be contacted if additional information becomes necessary.
Her principled stance has resonated widely on social media platforms, where numerous Nigerians have celebrated her as an exemplary model of ethical conduct amid widespread concerns about financial impropriety.
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