Nigerian man Ambassador Chima Ihezie has shared a chilling personal experience from 2012 to warn travelers about the dangers of accepting luggage from strangers during international trips.
Ihezie recounted that while traveling to Cologne, Germany, a young Nigerian man approached him at the airport, asking if he could help carry one of his many bags. The man appeared friendly during the flight and repeatedly promised to help Ihezie secure documents to stay in Germany—despite Ihezie explaining he was only on a short three-week business trip.
Upon arriving at Frankfurt International Airport, the man again pressed him to carry a bag. Ihezie said the repeated requests and over-friendliness immediately raised his suspicion, prompting him to firmly refuse. Moments later, airport security arrested the man, leaving Ihezie stunned at how narrowly he had avoided being implicated in a potentially serious legal issue.
He shared the story to caution travelers: never accept or transport items that don’t belong to you during international travel, as doing so could have serious consequences.
A Facebook post shared by netizen Uche Nworah captured Ihezie’s account:
“Never Accept to Carry Items for Someone During International Travel
By Amb. Chima Ihezie
In 2012, while traveling to Cologne, Germany, I narrowly escaped being deceived by a young Nigerian man.
He had several pieces of luggage and approached me, asking if I could help carry just one of his bags. During the flight, he was extremely friendly and kept promising he would help me settle in Germany if I needed assistance with documents.
I explained I was only visiting for a three-week business trip. However, he insisted I stay longer and said he could help me obtain German papers.
When we arrived at Frankfurt International Airport, he begged me again to carry one of his bags. Something didn’t feel right. His excessive friendliness and repeated promises raised my suspicion. I firmly refused.
Within minutes, airport security arrested him. That was when I realized how close I had come to serious trouble. If I had agreed to carry that bag, I might have ended up in jail.”
Ihezie’s experience serves as a stark reminder: during international travel, vigilance is essential—what seems like a simple favor could quickly turn into a legal nightmare.
