Immigration Officer Who Rejected ₦10M Bribe Honored with ₦5M Gift by Anambra Business Mogul [VIDEO]

 

A tale of exceptional integrity has emerged from the corridors of Nigeria’s border security, casting a rare beam of light on what many have come to accept as an unshakeable culture of corruption. Immigration Officer Ugochukwu Orji has become a national symbol of honor after turning down a mouthwatering bribe of ₦10 million and an iPhone from a suspected native doctor, identified as Ezeani, who attempted to flee the country through the Seme border.

Orji’s principled stance did not go unnoticed. He has now received public recognition and monetary appreciation from one of Nigeria’s prominent business leaders, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO of Seahorse Lubricants. In a private but highly symbolic gathering held at his residence, Dr. Onunkwo hosted Officer Orji and presented him with a ₦5 million reward and a collection of undisclosed gifts—an act aimed at applauding the officer's moral uprightness and dedication to duty.

Officer Orji had encountered the fleeing Ezeani during routine checks at the Seme border. According to accounts from the immigration unit, Ezeani attempted to bribe his way out of detention with cash and material enticement, but Orji firmly refused, leading to the native doctor’s apprehension.

Dr. Onunkwo, who has earned a reputation for supporting youth empowerment and ethical leadership, described the officer’s decision as “a light in a time of thick darkness.” Speaking during the event, he stated:

“We are often quick to criticize and slow to celebrate. Orji’s refusal of a ₦10 million bribe in a country where many struggle to survive on less than that in a decade is not just commendable—it is revolutionary. It shows that the future of Nigeria is not lost, as long as we have men like him standing firm.”

The businessman’s gesture has sparked widespread discussion across social media and public forums, with netizens weighing in with mixed reactions. While many have lauded the recognition and encouraged more private sector involvement in celebrating ethical behavior, others expressed skepticism and demanded greater accountability regarding the case of the arrested native doctor.

Twitter user @TammyLo22059350 voiced a sentiment shared by many concerned citizens:

“We aren’t interested in all this show-offs. We want to know where that evil man is, and if he has been sentenced to death by hanging.”

Another user, @Franko_Nero2010, was less optimistic about the motives behind such public gestures.

“My problem with most of these people is that most of them are part of the syndicate. Na person wey them catch be thief.”

Still, Orji’s singular action has rekindled a much-needed conversation around institutional integrity and the power of individual choices. Several commentators argue that while systemic corruption is entrenched, change must begin with individuals who are willing to say “no,” even in the face of immense temptation.

Critics, however, remain cautious. A user with the handle @josephg48945102 commented,

“Hosts like this scare me. Unfounded, but could prolly be one of the syndicates.”

Despite the divergent reactions, what remains undeniable is that Officer Orji’s decision, and the subsequent gesture by Dr. Onunkwo, have momentarily restored faith in the possibility of a new narrative for Nigeria’s public institutions.

Calls are growing for the federal government and Nigeria Immigration Service to formally commend and promote Officer Orji, citing his bravery as a standard to be upheld and multiplied across agencies. Some civil society groups have even recommended him for a national honor, stressing that such deeds, if consistently celebrated, could alter the fabric of institutional behavior in Nigeria.

While the fate of the arrested native doctor remains undisclosed by authorities, Nigerians continue to call for transparency and swift justice. The public wants assurance that those who attempt to compromise the nation's security are not only apprehended but held fully accountable.

As the conversation around corruption, ethics, and accountability unfolds, Ugochukwu Orji’s name stands tall as a timely reminder that integrity, even when it comes at a personal cost, is not just possible—it is powerful.

Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO of Seahorse Lubricants, today hosted Immigration Officer Ugochukwu Orji, who made headlines for rejecting a ₦10 million bribe and an iPhone from an Enugu native doctor, Ezeani. During the visit, Dr. Onunkwo also gifted him ₦5 million and other gifts in… pic.twitter.com/B9DbDwXO56

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 8, 2025