Why I returned $10,000 found in aeroplane to owner — Kano man

A rare spirit of honesty was truly exhibited by Kano-born Auwal Ahmad Dankode, who returned a whopping sum of $10,000, equivalent to N16 million, to the rightful owner.

Dankode, a rare gem, uncovered the hard currency on Wednesday in an EgyptAir aircraft while cleaning the cabin after the passengers disembarked from their trip.

Dankode is a junior staff member of Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The Guardian learnt the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. when the airline landed from Egypt. Dankode did not hesitate to report the case to a senior manager immediately.

Narrating why he chose to be faithful enough to return the envelope despite the harsh reality in the country, the aviation worker said he was inspired by values of honesty and sincerity inculcated from home.

“I was conducting a routine cleaning of the aircraft that had just landed when I saw the money in an envelope. So, I picked up the envelope and reported it to a senior manager available.

“Although my supervisor was not around at that time, I quickly reported the case to the airline company’s manager, and soon the rightful owner came, and the money was returned.”

He said that before the envelope was handed over to the owner, the manager subjected the man to several questions to be certain.

“The man was asked several questions, which he answered positively, and the money was later released to him. Many people at the airport carried me shoulder-high, praising me for the good deed.

“Honestly, I feel very elated and excited that I found it difficult to even go to bed right now because I am so happy that God used me to make somebody happy.”

On why he decided to return the money, he said, “I don’t take what does not belong to me. The money belongs to the rightful owner and is nothing to me because that was the training we got from home.

“At the same time, I am happy knowing the value and that the owner, who does not understand Hausa but speaks Arabic, was so happy and hugged me many times.”