Honest Cabin Cleaner Returns Found Purse
Ibrahim Bala Zakari, a cabin cleaner employed by Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO), has been publicly praised after he returned a purse containing $730 (approximately N999,238) and several credit cards that he discovered while cleaning British Airways Flight BA8382. The purse was found on seat number 35K. SAHCO shared the story on its Facebook page on July 2, 2026, commending Zakari for his honesty and professionalism.
Immediate Action Taken
According to SAHCO's statement, Zakari immediately notified the British Airways Cabin Services Duty Manager (CSDM) after finding the purse. The purse and its contents were then handed over to the British Airways Security team for proper care and procedures. The company highlighted that this act reflects SAHCO's core values of integrity and excellence.
SAHCO's full statement read: "We proudly recognize Mr. Ibrahim Bala Zakari, Cabin Cleaner for his outstanding display of honesty and professionalism. While cleaning British Airways Flight BA8382, Mr. Zakari recovered a purse from seat number 35K containing USD 730 and several credit cards. In the demonstration of SAHCO's core values, he immediately notified the British Airways Cabin Services Duty Manager (CSDM), after which the purse and its contents were handed over to the British Airways Security team for proper care and procedures. His exemplary conduct reflects the culture of integrity and excellence that defines SAHCO. We celebrate and commend him for setting a standard worth emulating."
Public Reactions
The story elicited mixed reactions from the public on social media. Brian Chisala commented: "A plane is fitted with cameras all over... He might have lost his job over a little money." Biggerlife Pappy Zaggy said: "Money wey dem keep for lucky person to pick. E reach Ur turn U return am. Some people no dey understand signs sha." Eme Nike wrote: "I for talk wetin dey my mind but since everyone is congratulating, let's congratulate him too." Gabriel A. Napoleon Ogah noted: "If not for poverty in Nigeria, these are normal things people do in countries where almost everyone is doing well. But here we see it as a great deal because our leaders has puting us in the darkest time that people hardly recognize themselves to maintain integrity. Kudos to him, though." Oluyemi Daisi added: "Even people forging and stealing secretly here are commending him. Now that we all agree that honesty is a virtue, can we all do the same privately and publicly? God bless you, Mr Zakari!"
Similar Act of Honesty in Kano
In a related incident, a Kano airport cleaner who returned $10,000 he found in an aircraft was promoted. He discovered the money while cleaning Egypt Air's MS878 aircraft in Kano and immediately returned it to the airline station manager. His company honored him at its headquarters in Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
