In an extraordinary act of honesty that has captivated the nation, a Nigerian petty trader has returned a staggering sum of N330 million that was mistakenly credited to her bank account. The incident highlights a profound commitment to integrity amidst widespread financial hardship.
Shocking Discovery Amidst Bank Troubles
The woman at the center of this remarkable story is Aisha Isah Yelwa, a trader based in Lapai, Niger State. Her moment of astonishment came on Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 3:49 PM. Mrs. Yelwa was checking her First Bank account to follow up on complaints about unauthorized loan-related debits that had been troubling her small business.
Instead of finding a resolution, she was confronted with a balance containing an amount of money she had never seen in her life. There was no credit alert, no transaction description, and no clear source for the massive deposit. To verify it was not a mere system glitch, she cautiously attempted a transaction of N1 million. The transaction went through, confirming the funds were real, which only deepened her confusion and concern.
A Decision Rooted in Principle
After a night of reflection, Mrs. Yelwa went to the Lapai branch of First Bank on Tuesday morning to formally report the anomaly. She was not alone; understanding the gravity of the situation, she brought a lawyer with her to ensure the entire process was properly documented and to shield herself from any potential legal repercussions.
The branch manager, upon investigation, confirmed the money was indeed the result of a critical system error and commended her for her honesty. The bank immediately initiated steps to reverse the transaction. Officials assured Mrs. Yelwa that she bore no liability and would only be contacted if further clarification was needed.
Facing Criticism with Conviction
Despite her virtuous act, Aisha Isah Yelwa revealed that she faced criticism from some quarters. Instead of receiving universal praise, some members of the public questioned her decision to return such a life-changing sum, especially given her own financial struggles as a petty trader.
However, her resolve remained unshaken. In an interview with Lapai TV, she explained that her integrity and the future of her children were far more valuable than the temporary windfall. "I feel good returning the money. I am a mother, and my children’s future means more to me than anything," she stated. "Even with all my financial challenges, I don’t want to eat what does not belong to me."
The story has ignited widespread conversation across Lapai and beyond, with many hailing Mrs. Yelwa's action as a rare and inspiring example of moral fortitude. In an era where economic pressure often leads to compromised ethics, her choice stands as a powerful testament to character and has sparked a national dialogue on values and honesty.
