Borno Police Officer Demonstrates Exceptional Integrity by Returning Mistaken ₦2.6 Million Transfer
In a remarkable display of honesty that has captured national attention, a police constable serving in Borno State, Alhaji Muhammad, has voluntarily returned ₦2.6 million that was erroneously transferred into his personal bank account. The officer explained that his decision was driven by a strong desire to counteract the widespread negative perceptions often associated with the Nigeria Police Force.
Public Praise and Social Media Recognition
The act of integrity came to public light after a Facebook user, Bello Jafar, publicly commended the constable for what he described as an uncommon demonstration of ethical conduct. Jafar's post, shared on Friday, February 7, and subsequently reported by PUNCH Online, quickly garnered widespread appreciation across social media platforms. In his heartfelt message, Jafar wrote: "I would like to formally express my appreciation for Mohammad Alhaji Muhammad, a loyal customer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and a police officer of exceptional integrity."
Immediate Reporting of the Mistaken Transfer
According to official statements from the Borno State Police Command, Constable Muhammad received the unexpected credit alert on Thursday, February 6. Recognizing immediately that he was not anticipating any such payment, the officer took swift action. The command's spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed that Muhammad promptly reported the matter to his bank without delay.
"When he received the alert on his phone last Thursday, he said he knew he was not expecting any particular money," Daso explained. "The next day, Friday, first thing in the morning, he took permission and went to his bank to complain that a certain amount of money was sent to him which he was not expecting. He requested that the bank do justice regarding the money."
Bank Investigation and Fund Reversal Process
The banking institution involved, United Bank for Africa (UBA), conducted a thorough investigation into the transaction. ASP Daso detailed that the bank successfully traced the transfer to a UBA branch located in Sokoto State. After contacting the branch manager to verify the source, the bank initiated the reversal process.
Constable Muhammad cooperated fully with the procedure, signing a consent form that authorized the bank to return the full ₦2.6 million to its legitimate owner, identified as a Moniepoint customer. This transparent process ensured that the funds were restored to their rightful recipient without complications.
Police Commissioner Commends Officer's Discipline
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajeed, personally invited Constable Muhammad for a meeting on Monday to recognize his exemplary conduct. During this meeting, Muhammad explained the systematic steps he took to ensure the mistaken funds were properly returned.
ASP Daso revealed the officer's motivation behind his actions: "When asked in the meeting with the CP, he said he is a policeman, and he knows the type of negative notion a lot of people have about the police. That is why he refused to claim the money because discipline is part of what they were taught in police colleges."
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
This incident has generated significant positive feedback from citizens across Nigeria, with many describing it as a shining example of professionalism and ethical behavior within the police force. The story has resonated particularly strongly in a climate where public trust in law enforcement institutions often faces challenges.
Such acts of integrity serve as powerful counter-narratives to negative stereotypes, potentially helping to rebuild confidence between the police and the communities they serve. The Borno State Police Command has highlighted this incident as evidence of the values instilled during police training and the importance of maintaining disciplinary standards in all circumstances.
This case follows previous reports of similar mistaken transfers in Nigeria, underscoring the ongoing need for financial vigilance and ethical responsibility in digital banking transactions. Constable Muhammad's actions set a commendable precedent for public servants and citizens alike, demonstrating that integrity remains a cornerstone of effective law enforcement and public service.
