"I’d Rather Be Poor Than be Dishonest" — Aba Keke Rider Returns ₦4 Million Forgotten by Passenger*
In a country where headlines are often filled with stories of fraud, scams, and corruption, an extraordinary act of integrity has emerged from the streets of Aba, Abia State — rekindling hope in the value of honesty.
Lucky Okoro, a humble tricycle rider from Umuomei, Obingwa Local Government Area, has stunned many after he returned ₦4 million forgotten in his tricycle by a female passenger. The passenger, who turned out to be a foreigner from Cameroon, was on the brink of despair when Lucky found her and handed back the entire amount.
According to Lucky, the incident happened one morning after he conveyed the woman from Aba Main Park to Ariaria Market. Unaware she had left her bag behind, he later discovered the money-filled bag in his tricycle. While others might have seen it as “a miracle” or “a financial breakthrough,” Lucky saw it as a test of character.
“Jehovah, thank you. I have brought glory to your name,” he said. “This morning, I carried a woman from Main Park to Ariaria. She forgot her bag inside my Keke, and I didn’t notice until later. I immediately went back to the park but couldn’t find her.”
Determined to do the right thing, he traced his way back to Ariaria where he miraculously found the woman weeping uncontrollably by a roadside junction.
“She looked like she was ready to take her own life,” Lucky recalled. “I approached her, wiped her tears, handed over the bag containing the ₦4 million, and advised her to stay in a nearby hotel to rest. She isn’t even a Nigerian — she’s from Cameroon.”
Despite facing personal financial struggles — including an aging, faulty tricycle he uses for daily transport — Lucky never considered keeping the money.
“Some of my fellow Keke riders called me a 'mugu' for returning the money, but I don’t regret it. I’m happy. Even though my Keke is giving me problems and I really need a new one, I will never use someone else’s money to change my life.”
“I’m a Jehovah’s Witness. I come from a poor family, but I love Jehovah and that’s enough for me.”
The story has gone viral across social media platforms, with thousands praising Lucky Okoro’s integrity and calling for him to be celebrated and supported. In the wake of widespread corruption and public distrust, his act serves as a powerful reminder that honesty is not extinct in Nigeria.
Many believe that this moment should not pass unnoticed, urging government bodies, religious organizations, and NGOs to reward and encourage people like Lucky — honest individuals who choose character over convenience.
“In this harsh economy, this Keke rider chose integrity over instant wealth. Nigeria needs more people like him,” one Social Media user posted.
This inspiring story comes just weeks after another Abia man reportedly rejected a N10 million bribe from a fugitive — highlighting a rising trend of integrity in the state.
