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By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a surprising display of integrity, patriotism and dedication, Mr. Orji Ugochukwu, an officer with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has been widely Nigerians Commend Immigration Officer for Rejecting N10M Bribe, Nabs Billionaire Ritualist as a national hero after he single-handedly apprehended a notorious suspected ritualist, Ezeani, widely known as ‘Ichie Billion’.
The dramatic arrest unfolded at the bustling Seme border as Ichie Billion, wanted for horrific crimes including burying a pregnant woman and other victims alive for occult practices in Enugu State, attempted to flee Nigeria.
The encounter began when Officer Ugochukwu, ever vigilant, identified the suspect attempting to slip across the border. What ensued was a high-stakes chase as Ichie Billion, desperate to escape, reportedly jumped on a motorcycle in a frantic bid for freedom. But Officer Ugochukwu was not to be deterred.
He relentlessly pursued the fleeing suspect, eventually cornering him.
It was at this point that the suspected ritualist, cornered and out of options, resorted to a desperate measure: bribery. He allegedly offered Officer Ugochukwu a staggering ₦10 million in cash, along with an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Tecno Camon 19, all in exchange for his liberty.
However, Officer Ugochukwu’s resolve remains unshaken. He outrightly rejected the exorbitant bribe, choosing duty and justice over personal gain. His unwavering commitment led to the successful apprehension of Ichie Billion.
Upon his arrest, the accused ritualist reportedly crumbled, confessing to his alleged crimes and implicating other members of his cult. His shocking revelations are said to have stunned even the seasoned officers present. Ichie Billion is now in custody, awaiting extradition to Enugu State where he will face prosecution for his heinous alleged acts.
Officer Prince Orji Ugochukwu’s heroic actions serve as a powerful testament to the principles of honesty and dedication within the Nigerian security forces. His refusal to compromise his integrity in the face of immense temptation has not only brought a dangerous criminal to justice but has also inspired countless Nigerians, reinforcing faith in the nation’s fight against crime and corruption.
According to reports, a 13-year-old girl was kidnapped at their farm when Ezeani and his gang approached the father and daughter, pretending their motorcycle had broken down and asking for help. They then overpowered her father and abducted the girl, tying her mouth and legs.
However, the girl’s resourcefulness saved her. She stated in a viral video that she was put in a hole in the ground and covered with leaves, but she continued to make sounds. These sounds attracted some vigilante members who were passing by, and they subsequently rescued her.
Her escape and subsequent account of what happened raised the alarm of Ezeani’s alleged ritualistic operations, leading to the discovery of buried bodies in his compound but he had escaped and attempted to flee the country and ultimately, his arrest.
Here are some of the reactions from Nigerians on social media, precisely the X application (formerly Twitter) under the post made by Instablog9ja on the issue.
@drkenon2: “The guy did a great job. He has conquered greed forever. He deserves to be promoted.”
On his part, @gofosu_ : “Promoted? Yes. But Well-meaning Nigerians MUST raise a go fund me to change his financial status. Nothing must make him regret that decision.”
@michealwale writes: “There are some things money can’t buy and that is Integrity.
That officer knows that money is not even clean, if he accepted the bribe, the blood of those victims would equally be on his head.
No generational curse is worth #10 million and an Iphone.”
@mideeeeo1 said : “This is the kind of integrity Nigeria needs. Officer Ugochukwu deserves national recognition.”