From ₦30k Scam to a Life-saving Guide

A Nigerian, Mr. Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu, has shared his recent experience on X (Twitter) of how he was nearly scammed by a taxi driver in Abuja while on his way to the Russian Embassy.

Mantu, who had an appointment at the Russian Embassy by 11 a.m., narrated that he mistakenly arrived at the United Nations (UN) Office in Abuja, which bears a similar structure and color pattern with the Embassy.

According to him, upon realizing the mix-up at about 10:42 a.m., he sought directions from security personnel who pointed him towards a group of taxi drivers.

“As soon as I crossed to the other side, about five taxi drivers rushed towards me. They asked where I was going, and when I said ‘Russian Embassy,’ one of them told me it was a two-hour drive away,” he recounted.

Mantu said the driver demanded ₦30,000 to take him there. Running out of time, he pleaded and tried to negotiate ₦20,000, but the driver refused to reduce the price.

He explained that a Hausa man selling oranges, who had overheard the conversation, intervened and whispered to him in Hausa that the Embassy was not far and could even be reached on foot.

The hawker then guided him through two turns and across a pedestrian bridge. Within minutes, Mantu found himself directly in front of the Russian Embassy, arriving at 10:57 a.m., just in time for his appointment.

Overwhelmed with relief, he hugged the hawker in gratitude, noting that his fruits even fell from the tray in the process. The two exchanged contacts after discovering they were both indigenes of Katsina State.

Reflecting on the incident, Mantu said:

“While waiting to be called into the Embassy, my mind went back to the taxi driver I was begging to accept ₦20,000. Some of us are worse than the leaders we complain about every day. It’s just opportunity we lack.”

His experience has since sparked conversations about dishonesty and opportunism among ordinary Nigerians, with many agreeing that the country’s problems extend beyond leadership to the conduct of its citizens.