Abia driver finds N400,000 in bus, tracks down passenger to return cash

Umuahia, Sept. 12, 2026

A commercial bus driver in Abia State, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, has earned commendation for his honesty after returning more than N400,000 forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger.

The passenger, Mrs Nkechi John, a petty trader, had boarded Ikpendu’s bus at Uzuakoli en route to Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, but alighted at Ubani Market without realising she had left behind a bag containing the cash and other personal belongings.

According to John, she only discovered that her bag was missing after leaving the vehicle and immediately rushed to the terminal to trace the bus.

On getting there, she was relieved to find that Ikpendu had kept the bag and its entire contents safely.

Speaking with newsmen, the driver said returning the money was a matter of conscience, stressing that he was satisfied with earning a living through honest work.
“I am grateful and content with what I have, therefore, no amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” he said.

Ikpendu added that he believed God rewards honesty and good deeds, making it important for him to ensure that the money got back to its rightful owner.

John, while expressing appreciation to the driver, also thanked the Abia State Government for the construction of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, saying the facility enabled her to quickly trace the vehicle and recover her belongings.

She disclosed that the money was meant for her business.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for demonstrating integrity and sincerity, describing his action as a worthy example for other residents to emulate.

Ukaegbu said the incident was evidence of a positive shift in the mindset of Abia residents.

“Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, for his good work and exemplary leadership in the state.
“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing even without being compelled,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to make honesty and integrity part of their daily lives, describing the driver’s action as a demonstration of responsible citizenship.

If you want, I can also �⁠make the headline more sensational and Punch-style, for example: “N400,000 Forgotten in Abia Bus, Driver Refuses to Touch Cash”.