Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the vigilant immigration officer who arrested the fleeing Enugu native doctor accused of ritual killings, has been honoured with a N5 million cash reward by Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, a renowned industrialist and senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Orji had intercepted the suspect, known as Ichie Billion, last month at the Seme Border as he attempted to cross into the Republic of Benin on a motorcycle. Relying on facial recognition from online sources, Orji identified the wanted man and swiftly took action, eventually detaining him despite multiple attempts to bribe him with as much as N15 million.
Chief Onunkwo, Chairman and CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., hosted Orji at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he presented him with a cheque of N5 million as a reward for his courage and integrity.
“Nigeria still has men of honour. Ugochukwu stood in the gap when it mattered,” Onunkwo declared during the presentation ceremony. “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.”
He urged the Nigerian Immigration Service to officially commend Orji’s actions and treat the case as a model for promoting integrity in the public sector. “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 added.
Recounting the arrest, Orji said the suspect at first denied his identity, claiming the viral photos were of his brother. “He then offered me bribes in increasing sums — N3 million, N7 million, N10 million, and finally N15 million, with his wife promising to send the money,” Orji revealed. “I pretended to cooperate just to detain him quietly. When I confirmed his identity with my superior, I handcuffed him and also retrieved incriminating voice notes from his phone.”
The arrest of Ichie Billion, who had been on the run following allegations of ritual murders, drew national attention, and Orji’s intervention has since been hailed as a rare act of courage in the face of temptation.
Chief Onunkwo, who is contesting the Anambra South senatorial by-election under APGA, said his action was part of Seahorse’s corporate social responsibility and a personal mission to encourage moral renaissance in Nigeria.
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