Gallant Immigration Officer Resists N10M Temptation, Arrests Ritualist on the Run

In a courageous display of integrity, an Immigration Officer identified as Prince Orji Ugochukwu—known on Facebook as Okeosisi Ugo—has been hailed a national hero after rejecting a ?10 million bribe and two smartphones from a fleeing ritualist attempting to escape Nigeria through the Seme border.

The suspect, Ezeani, also known as Ichie Billion, is the alleged leader of a deadly occult group in Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. He is accused of heinous crimes, including the ritual murder of several victims—some reportedly buried alive in a soakaway pit inside his compound. His face has been circulating widely on social media as the focus of a manhunt.

Speaking on the incident, Officer Ugochukwu recounted how he recognized the suspect while on duty at Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme road.

“I saw a young man on a bike wearing a face cap. His face struck me immediately—I had seen him in viral photos linked to ritual killings. I attempted to stop the bike, but the rider sped off. I quickly took another bike and chased after them.”

He caught up with the suspect at a secondary immigration checkpoint. After ordering the bike to turn back, Officer Ugochukwu boarded the same bike to ensure the man didn’t escape again. During the return journey, the suspect attempted to talk his way out.

“He denied everything and claimed the man in the viral photo was his brother. He said he was only returning from the bank in Agbara. Moments later, he tried to bribe me with N10 million in cash, begging me to let him go. I refused. He then offered his iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Tecno Camon 19, claiming the iPhone alone was worth over N1 million. I still said no.”

“He insisted he was being set up because it was his turn to become the Igwe (traditional ruler) of their community. I didn’t fall for any of it.”

Officer Ugochukwu proceeded to detain him and took photos as proof. He then alerted his superiors at the Seme Border Patrol Command, confirmed the suspect’s identity, and handcuffed him. The ritualist was transferred to the command’s head office for further investigation.

“Even some of my colleagues were skeptical at first—no one else recognized him but me,” he added.

Since the incident came to light, Nigerians from all walks of life have taken to social media to celebrate Officer Ugochukwu’s bravery and moral uprightness. In a society often plagued by corruption, his refusal to accept a massive bribe is being viewed as a strong statement that hope still exists in Nigeria’s law enforcement ranks.

There have been widespread calls for the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to officially recognize and reward Officer Ugochukwu for his patriotism and dedication to justice.

Meanwhile, the suspect Ezeani, accused of serial killings and ritual activities, is expected to face prosecution for his crimes. The public remains watchful as the legal process unfolds, and the victims’ families cry out for justice.