By Ikeugonna Eleke
Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the immigration officer who arrested fleeing Enugu State native doctor accused of killing people for rituals, has been rewarded with N5 million.
Foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, is also a Senatorial Aspirant for the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Onunkwo hosted the immigration officer at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Prince Orji, an immigration officer, was at his duty post last month when alleged ritualist and fake native doctor, known as Ichie Billion, attempted to use a motorcycle to cross over to Benin Republic from Nigeria at Seme Border, but having seen his face on the internet, Orji quickly intercepted him.
Onunkwo, an industrialist and Chairman/CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., while presenting a cheque ₦5,000,000 to the officer, said it was part of Seahorse Lubricant Industries’ social corporate responsibility and encouragement for moral renaissance in society.
‘Nigeria still has men of honour. Ugochukwu stood in the gap when it mattered. In a system where many are tempted to sell their conscience, he chose to uphold the law.
‘Seahorse is giving him N5 million not just to appreciate his bravery, but to encourage a culture of truth and accountability in our nation.
‘I urge the Nigerian Immigration Service to look into this case and consider rewarding Ugochukwu officially. Let this be an example to others – that honesty is not only possible in this country but that it also pays. Our system must start celebrating people who choose integrity over impunity,’ he said.
Narrating what transpired on the day of the arrest, Mr Orji recounted: ‘I stopped him and confronted him with his photo. He denied at first, saying it was his brother. But I insisted. He then tried to bribe me – ₦3 million…then ₦7 million… ₦10 million… eventually ₦15 million, with his wife promising to send the money.
‘I pretended to cooperate just to detain him without raising alarm. When I confirmed from my superior that he was indeed the wanted man, I handcuffed him and recovered voice notes from his phone that revealed attempts to erase his tracks.’
