From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, Chairman/CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., has honored Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the immigration officer who bravely apprehended the infamous Enugu-based ritualist, with a cash gift of five million Naira.
The presentation was made at Chief Onunkwo’s country home in Umuabo Ihembosi, Anambra State, where he hosted the gallant officer to celebrate his courage and outstanding sense of duty.
Prince Ugochukwu Orji, an Abia-born officer serving at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border, had resisted a series of bribes that eventually rose to ₦15 million, offered by the apprehended killer in a desperate bid to escape justice.
“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 ₦5 million not just to appreciate his bravery, but to encourage a culture of truth and accountability in our nation.” Chief Onukwo noted.
Chief Dr. Onunkwo called on the Nigerian government and the Immigration Service to recognize and reward Ugochukwu with a well-deserved promotion, noting that such commendable actions must not go unnoticed.
“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 it also pays. Our system must start celebrating people who choose integrity over impunity,” he said.
Dr. Onunkwo also called on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the federal government to spotlight Ugochukwu’s bravery and use his story as a campaign for ethical leadership and national transformation.
In his speech at the reception put together in his honour, Ugochukwu, said he was on duty when the suspect, Mr. Levi Obieze (Mazi Ezeani,) a man already wanted for serial ritual killings and burying victims alive, passed by on a motorcycle.
Ugochukwu noted that something about his face struck a chord, and had to trailed him discreetly to the next checkpoint.
“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 with 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.” Ugochukwu revealed.