Immigration officer rewarded with N5m for arresting fleeing suspect

A Nigerian immigration officer, Ugochukwu Orji, has received a ₦5 million reward for apprehending a wanted ritual suspect attempting to flee the country.

The suspect, a native doctor popularly known as “Ichie Billion,” had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police for alleged involvement in kidnapping and multiple ritual killings.

The dramatic arrest occurred at the Seme Border last month, where Officer Orji was stationed. According to reports, Ichie Billion tried to cross into the Benin Republic using a motorcycle.

Orji, who had seen the suspect’s face online, recognized him immediately. Despite attempts by the suspect to bribe him with escalating offers reaching up to ₦15 million, Orji stood his ground, ultimately detaining the suspect and handing him over to the Lagos State Police Command.

The reward was presented by industrialist and senatorial aspirant, Ebuka Onunkwo, at his residence in Ihembosi, Anambra State.

Onunkwo described the ₦5 million gift as part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and an effort to promote integrity in public service.

He said: “Nigeria still has men of honour . In a system where many are tempted to sell their conscience, Ugochukwu chose to uphold the law. This gesture is to encourage a culture of truth and accountability.”

Orji recounted that Ichie Billion initially denied being the wanted man, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.

But when confronted with evidence, he attempted to buy his freedom. Orji pretended to cooperate in order to safely detain him, later confirming the suspect's identity with his superiors.

Following the commendation, Onunkwo urged the Nigerian Immigration Service to formally recognize Orji’s exceptional act, calling it an example of how integrity can still thrive in Nigeria.