IGP Hails Bayelsa Governor For Honouring Police Officer Who Rejected $17,000 Bribe
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has applauded Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for celebrating the 2024 Police Officer of the Year, SP Sentome Obi, in a grand state banquet that underscored the value of integrity in public service.
SP Obi, a Bayelsa-born officer and Head of the Financial and Cybercrime Unit at Zone 16 Command, Yenagoa, gained national recognition after he turned down a $17,000 bribe meant to derail a sensitive investigation.
His rare act of courage and professionalism earned him the prestigious IGP Integrity Award.
In a statement, the IGP described the governor’s gesture which included the gift of a brand-new Toyota Corolla and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow as a “watershed moment” for Nigerian policing.
“This is more than a commendation it is a cultural statement. It tells every officer that integrity is not just expected, but rewarded,” the IGP declared.
At its June meeting, the Police Force Management Team also resolved to recommend SP Obi and CSP Aliyu Shaba (2023 Officer of the Year) for accelerated promotion, while directing that their portraits be displayed at all Zonal and State Command Headquarters, the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and the Nigeria Police Hall of Fame.
The IGP further announced a new merit-driven promotion policy: any officer who earns a national or police commendation twice in two consecutive cycles will be considered for accelerated promotion part of broader reforms aimed at embedding professionalism, ethics, and performance-based reward in the Force.
These initiatives, the IGP stressed, reflect a renewed commitment to transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, accountable, and values-driven institution.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n]
