A Nigerian man has shared a dramatic and eye-opening experience about how a group of taxi drivers in Abuja attempted to exploit him after he mistakenly lost his way while heading to the Russian Embassy for an official appointment. The narration, which has since gone viral on social media, has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many condemning the opportunistic behavior of the taxi drivers while praising the honesty of a roadside orange seller who came to his rescue.
According to the man, identified as @Gen_Buhar on X, he was scheduled for an appointment at the Russian Embassy by 11 a.m. However, due to the striking similarities between the Russian Embassy and the United Nations office in Abuja, he mistakenly ended up at the UN building. The mix-up left him anxious as he struggled against time to make it to his scheduled appointment.
Appointment at the Russian Embassy
Recounting the ordeal, he said: “For the first time today, I realized that the problem of Nigeria is not leadership per se, but the opportunistic nature of its citizens. I was scheduled for an appointment at the Russian Embassy Abuja by 11am today, and somehow, I missed my way to the Embassy.”
He added: “Instead of the Russian Embassy, I found myself at the UN Office which had the same structure and painting with the Russian Embassy. I checked my time and it was already 10:42am. Anxiety started setting in because I knew I had less than 20 minutes to figure things out.”
Opportunistic Taxi Drivers
Feeling lost and running out of time, he approached the security guards for help. They directed him to a group of taxi drivers across the road. However, instead of helping him out, the drivers saw an opportunity to exploit his desperation. He narrated: “Looking frustrated, I asked for directions and the security guards directed me to a cluster of Taxi Drivers at the opposite side. I crossed to the other side and immediately about five of the Taxi Drivers rushed towards me.”
He continued: “Oga where you dey go?” they asked simultaneously. “Russian Embassy,” I responded. One of them quickly replied: ‘Ahhhhh! Russian Embassy. E far o.’ He then added, ‘It’s about two hours’ drive from here.’ My heart skipped because I knew something was off. I asked how much he would charge to take me there, and the man boldly said: ‘Oga na 30k o.’ I started pleading with him to accept 20k instead since I was running out of time, but he refused and stood his ground.”
Rescue by Honest Orange Seller
At that point, luck smiled on him as a Hausa man selling oranges, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, whispered to him in Hausa: “Dan dai kana sauri ne, Amman akasama zaka iya zuwa Russian Embassy” (If not because you are in a hurry, you could even trek to the Russian Embassy).
The orange hawker then volunteered to lead him to the location. He checked his time again—it was 10:49 a.m. He had only 11 minutes left. They set off on foot, trekking a few meters, taking two quick turns, and crossing an overhead bridge. To his utter surprise, they arrived at the Russian Embassy by 10:57 a.m., just in time. “I could not help but hug the man tightly until the oranges on his tray started falling,” he wrote.
The two men then discovered they were from the same state—Katsina. The hawker explained that he was from Ingawa Local Government, while the man revealed he was from Funtua Local Government. They quickly exchanged contacts before parting ways. As he sat waiting for his appointment inside the Embassy, he reflected deeply on how close he had come to being extorted by the taxi drivers and concluded that “some Nigerians are worse than the leaders they complain about daily; the only difference is opportunity.”
For the first time today, I realized that the problem of Nigeria is not leadership per say, but the opportunists nature of its citizens.
I was scheduled for an appointment at the Russian Embassy Abuja by 11am today, and somehow, I missed my way to the Embassy. Instead of the… pic.twitter.com/GhXbuKadTI
— June12 Mandate (@Gen_Buhar) September 19, 2025
Public Reactions
The story triggered a wave of reactions from Nigerians online, with many lamenting how opportunism has eaten deep into society.
AdetolaBaros reacted: “Abuja is even worse than Lagos when it comes to extorting people (strangers). Daylight robbery, stabbing, phone snatching, and all sorts of crisis you can imagine. Back in 2020, I had a similar experience when I was scheduled for an appointment at the Turkish Embassy. What you shared is very true. Abuja that is meant to represent Nigeria as the capital is just a breeding ground for opportunists.”
Engr_Ashile said: “This reminds me of my NYSC days in Osun state. A trip from Oke Gada to Awo was N50 back then, only for one new corper that had just redeployed to say the bike man charged her N700. Everybody at the CDS ground went mad. Some people are more wicked than the devil.”
AfolabiDewale opined: “I’ve said this severally—most Nigerians only need a little power or opportunity to unleash their worst side. It’s depressing for real 🤦🏻♂️.”
tjawiee noted: “I’m glad you are beginning to see the real issue. Everyone is just waiting for their turn to get to the top and then unleash their evil game on those at the bottom. Honestly, there seems to be no way out of this.”
The viral story has continued to spark debates about morality, honesty, and the deep-seated culture of opportunism in Nigerian society, with many praising the orange seller as an example of integrity in the midst of widespread exploitation.