Traders at Ogbe-Ijoh Market (also known as Ogbeijoh Market) in Warri, Delta State, were left astonished on Saturday after a Hausa trader returned a substantial sum of money belonging to a deaf and mute man who had reportedly died the previous day.
According to widely circulated social media reports and a video from the market, the deceased man, described variously as a trader or beggar known in the area, had regularly entrusted his daily earnings to the Hausa man—identified in some accounts as Malam Idris or simply “an Aboki”—for safekeeping over an extended period, possibly years.
Following news of the man’s d3ath, the custodian came to the market the next day with all the money he had been holding and handed it over, reportedly to the deceased’s family or associates.
A video shared widely online shows people gathered around black polythene bags and nylon packages on the ground, carefully unwrapping and sorting large quantities of naira notes of various denominations.
Onlookers can be seen examining the carefully preserved bundles, many packaged separately as if representing individual daily deposits. The volume of cash visible in the footage surprised those present, revealing that the late man had accumulated far more savings than his humble appearance and circumstances had suggested.
The exact amount has not been independently confirmed or publicly disclosed. Identities of those involved beyond the general descriptions have also not been fully verified in available reports.
The gesture has drawn widespread praise on social media for honesty and integrity. Many commenters highlighted the trust placed across ethnic lines and described the Hausa trader’s action as an example of upholding amanah (trust).
Some noted that the money was carefully preserved in nylon to protect it from damage. Reactions also included discussions about financial discipline among people living with disabilities and the quiet wealth sometimes held by those who appear modest.
While the majority of circulating accounts treat the death as fact and the return as occurring afterward, at least one report suggested the d3ath news may have been a false rumor and that the man himself reappeared. Independent verification of the full circumstances remains limited, as the story originated primarily from social media posts and the accompanying video.
The incident has nonetheless resonated as a positive example of community trust and personal integrity in a busy Nigerian market.
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