Abia Governor Honours Immigration Officer Who Rejected ₦15 Million Bribe from Suspected Ritualist
Prince Orji Ugochukwu, an immigration officer serving at the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, has become a national symbol of integrity after turning down a ₦15 million bribe from a wanted fugitive.
The suspect, identified as High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu—also known by various aliases including “Ezeani,” “Ichie Billion,” and “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show”—was allegedly fleeing Nigeria to escape justice over charges of ritual killings and kidnapping in Enugu State.
The dramatic arrest took place on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 28, around 2 p.m., at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Expressway. Ugochukwu, while performing his routine duty, spotted the suspect on a motorcycle.
Although the man attempted to disguise his identity, Ugochukwu immediately recognized him and began a quiet pursuit. At a subsequent checkpoint, he intercepted and questioned him.
“When I stopped him and showed him a photo, he claimed it was his brother. But I knew something wasn’t right,” Ugochukwu said. As the confrontation escalated, the suspect tried to bribe him, initially offering ₦3 million. When that was rejected, the offer rose to ₦7 million, then ₦10 million, and finally ₦15 million—with his wife allegedly making arrangements to deliver the money.
Ugochukwu played along, pretending to consider the offer in order to keep the suspect from fleeing or creating a scene. “I needed to confirm his identity discreetly,” he explained. “Once I got confirmation from my superior officers, I arrested him, handcuffed him, and retrieved damning voice messages from his phone that revealed an effort to erase his tracks.”
The suspect is believed to be responsible for multiple ritual murders, with reports suggesting that victims’ bodies were discovered hidden in a cement-sealed pit within his compound in Umuojor village, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
READ HERE: Fleeing Enugu Ritual Killer Nabbed by Immigration Officer
Following the arrest, Ugochukwu’s heroic action garnered widespread praise. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, where Ugochukwu hails from—specifically Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area—held a reception in his honour.
The governor described him as “a role model for all public servants” and lauded his “outstanding commitment to justice, discipline, and professional conduct.” He added that Ugochukwu’s conduct had restored faith in public institutions and should be emulated across the country.
In his local community, a celebratory event was organized by Rt. Hon. Ginger O. Onwusibe, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency. Residents hailed Ugochukwu’s bravery as a turning point for ethical public service in Nigeria.
His commendation did not stop there. In a separate ceremony held in Umuabo, Ihembosi, Anambra State, Ugochukwu was hosted by industrialist Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, chairman and CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd. In appreciation of his integrity, Onunkwo presented him with a ₦5 million cash gift.
“Nigeria is still blessed with men of honour,” Chief Onunkwo said during the event. “While many would have compromised, he upheld the law. This gesture is not only to reward him but to inspire honesty and accountability among our institutions.”
The gift, he explained, symbolised patriotic encouragement—meant to uplift values of truth, selflessness, and accountability in public service.
Prince Orji Ugochukwu’s decision to stand firm in the face of temptation has not only led to the arrest of a dangerous suspect but also sparked a national conversation about integrity, responsibility, and the power of individual courage within Nigeria’s civil service.