In Kano State, a heartwarming story unfolds as a young keke rider gains widespread praise for his extraordinary act of honesty. Auwalu Salisu, a 22-year-old keke rider from Yankaba in Nasarawa Local Government Area, has become a symbol of integrity by returning a staggering ₦15 million to its rightful owner, a Chad Republican who had come to Nigeria for business purposes.
Salisu's remarkable deed began when he heard a radio broadcast announcing the loss of a substantial sum of money by a passenger he had transported. The sum, totaling ₦15 million, comprised 10.130 million CFA and ₦2.9 million.
Without hesitation, Salisu realized the responsibility that had fallen upon him and decided to take action. Upon returning home and discovering the forgotten money, he immediately informed his parents of the situation. They, in turn, advised him to make every effort to locate the owner and return the money.
Speaking about his noble act, Salisu explained, “I took the man from Badawa to Bata. I went back there after informing my parents. When I reached there, I didn’t meet him and I kept searching. I went back home and gave the money to my mother who kept it inside her wardrobe. I was afraid because I was eager to hand over the money back to the owner. I had no intention to touch a penny. it’s not mine, as such prohibited for me.”
He continued, “I heard the announcement on Arewa Radio, and they gave a number. I called the number and the owner said he will come to our house, but I said no. We should meet at the Radio Station. We met there and I gave him his money.”
Despite facing economic hardships at home, Salisu and his parents never considered keeping the money. His father revealed, “We barely cook two times in a day, even yesterday we couldn’t cook while the money was with us.”
The owner of the money, represented by his brother Musa Hassan, expressed his astonishment and gratitude for Salisu's exceptional act of honesty. He admitted that he had given up hope of ever recovering the money and expressed profound appreciation for the young keke rider and his parents for instilling such values in him.
“I never thought these kind of boys exists on earth. I had given up already, but I got my money back. Alhamdulillah! I really appreciate him and his parents. They are facing difficulties but they didn’t touch even a penny from my money,” the owner conveyed with immense gratitude.
