A Nigerian gentleman recently recounted an incident wherein he displayed remarkable integrity by returning an accidental credit of over KSh 596,000 to his bank. Akanji Ayodele shared the story of his conscientious act, highlighting his surprise upon receiving a credit alert for KSh 596,000 instead of the KSh 596 he had instructed his associate to deposit.
Ayodele’s narrative underscores his admirable character as he promptly visited the bank to rectify the inadvertent transaction. Regrettably, despite his expectations of a commendation or reward from the bank, Ayodele’s ethical gesture went unrewarded.
The incident unfolded in October 2012 when Ayodele entrusted his apprentice, Femi Adebayo, with the task of depositing KSh 596 into his Enterprise Bank account. His astonishment was palpable upon discovering a credit alert for KSh 596,000, a substantial amount far exceeding his intended deposit.
To verify the accuracy of the balance, Ayodele executed a withdrawal of around KSh 18,000, successfully completing the transaction. He then returned both the withdrawn cash and the remaining balance to the bank. Ayodele recounted his interaction with the bank, expressing his disappointment at the lack of acknowledgment or reward for his praiseworthy action.
Reflecting on the experience, Ayodele revealed that the bank’s response was limited to a simple “thank you,” leaving him without the anticipated recognition. He noted that even the cashier responsible for the error was visibly upset and tearful in the presence of the bank branch manager.
In conclusion, Akanji Ayodele’s account serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in financial dealings. His willingness to rectify a bank error without seeking personal gain is a testament to his admirable character, even in the face of disappointment.