…PAAU 200-level class rep, Adegbe Paul, says Igala heritage forbids taking what does not belong to him as Nigerians liken his honesty to that of celebrated former UBA staff, Mohammed Ogbanago
By Mudi Mohammed
A 200-level student of History and International Studies at the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has been widely commended for returning N3 million mistakenly credited to his bank account in a rare display of honesty and discipline.
Adegbe Paul, 200-level History and International Studies student of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, who returned N3 million mistakenly credited to his account.
Adegbe Paul, popularly known as Thatboi Paul on Instagram for his acting and comedy skits, said the incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2026, when he received a credit alert of N3 million from one Mamuda Sanni, a name he did not recognise.
Confused about the source of the money, he contacted his friend, Anointed Ola Jnrdir, who advised him to wait for a possible call from the owner.
At about 8 p.m. the same day, he received a call from a man speaking Hausa, a language he does not understand, and had to engage a mediator fluent in both English and Hausa to interpret the conversation. The caller, he said, pleaded profusely, explaining that the money was his hard-earned savings.
Determined to verify the true owner, Paul reached out to the caller the following morning and assured him of a full refund. He said the man broke down in tears, offering prayers and expressing surprise that honest people still exist.
Paul subsequently refunded the entire sum to the same account from which it was sent and shared receipts of the transaction as proof.
He said: “I know a lot of people are going to call me a fool and an idiot. Where I come from, we were not trained to take what does not belong to us. I’m from Kogi and I am an Igala boy, and the heritage and legacy of the good people of Kogi must be preserved.”
His action has continued to generate commendation on social media.
His post on the class WhatsApp group, 25HS Official Group, was also met with praise. One of the reactions came from Dr. Bilal S.I, a lecturer in the department, who wrote:
“Bravooooo! This post deserves to go viral. I am super proud of you, Adegbe Paul. God bless you for this uncommon show of humanity. May your cup of blessings overflow in this world and in the Hereafter.”
Also reacting, a classmate, Mohammed Amodu, who is a legal practitioner, commended him while offering legal advice:
“I salute your integrity, my brother. Returning N3 million in full in this Tinubu economy without touching a kobo takes rare discipline. You made us proud as a leader of the class,” he said.
Collage of transaction receipts showing the N3 million mistakenly credited to Adegbe Paul’s account by one Mamuda Sanni (left) and the full refund made by Paul to the same account (right).
He, however, cautioned: “As your classmate and a lawyer, just a little advice for next time: before you send back any wrong credit, first report to your bank and to the police and get it documented. I once prosecuted a man who returned money that turned out to be ransom payment demanded by kidnappers. He suffered for his honesty.
“Always let the bank do the reversal officially. That way you are protected and it creates a paper trail that you are a victim of a mistaken transfer, not an accomplice. Once again, kudos for your integrity.”
Responding, Adegbe said: “Noted, sir, and I really appreciate this share of knowledge. I complained to my bank and they asked for the receipt. I also submitted the receipt and followed due process before the refund. Thank you, sir. I really appreciate your care and advice. We are all now enlightened on this.”
Other reactions also trailed the act online. Muazu Salami thanked him for preserving the heritage of the Igala people, noting that such values reflect how they were raised.
Jacob Andrew praised him for upholding the morals the Igala are known for. He added that it was commendable that he returned the money to the same account and advised him to keep records of the conversation for security purposes.
Mohammed Idris, who recounted losing N400,000 to a similar mistake that was never refunded, described Paul’s honesty as a blessing, lamenting that many now celebrate dishonesty as smartness.
Noah Jerry Akpai prayed for him, saying his act may have prevented the owner from contemplating suicide over the loss, while Comrade Abilu Musa noted that his action reaffirms that good people still exist.
Paul’s conduct mirrors the celebrated case of Mohammed Ogbanago, a former staff member of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), who returned a huge sum forgotten by a customer in the banking hall.
Ogbanago’s act of integrity earned him a national honour conferred by former President Muhammadu Buhari and brought pride to the Igala nation.
In an era where fraud is often glorified as smartness, Paul’s integrity stands out as a shining example worthy of emulation among Nigerian youths.
