Nigerian social critics and long-time public rivals, Very Dark Man (VDM) and Mr. Jollof, were involved in a physical altercation on Monday, November 17, while onboard a United Nigeria flight traveling from Asaba to Lagos.
The confrontation, which quickly escalated into a fight in the presence of other passengers, reportedly began when VDM approached Mr. Jollof. VDM was said to be confronting his rival over a prior threat made by Mr. Jollof to slap him.
The heated exchange degenerated into a physical brawl, prompting intervention from the flight crew and other passengers.
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According to the corps, Abdullahi’s action is a rare display of honesty, especially at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.
On Friday in Kano, ACG Amos Abiodun-Taiwo, Commander of NSCDC Zone 12, presented Abdullahi with an official letter of commendation. He explained that the recognition was approved by the Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, after the incident was verified.
“This young man represents the best of his family, the NSCDC and the nation. If this had been something negative, social media would have carried it everywhere. Positive acts like this deserve equal attention,” Abiodun-Taiwo said.
The money belonged to a passenger identified as Alhaji Mustafa from Katsina, who unknowingly left his bag in the tricycle. Since Mustafa had earlier borrowed Abdullahi’s phone, the volunteer used the last dialled number to contact him and return the cash safely.
The commander highlighted that Abdullahi’s sincerity was even more remarkable because he is not a full-time NSCDC officer but a volunteer and reportedly had less than N20,000 in his bank account at the time.
He stressed that such upright behaviour is increasingly uncommon, considering the country’s economic realities.
Abiodun-Taiwo urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to emulate this example, noting that moral integrity is essential. He added that Abdullahi would receive a suitable reward for his commendable action, emphasising that choosing honesty ultimately brings peace of mind.