By Christopher Oji
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has commended officers of Zone Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, for rejecting the sum of N174 millions bribe offered by a suspected fraudster.
The Commission also hailed the force for the swift recovery of N10 million from some policemen from Zone 16 Command headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, describing the acts as refreshing signposts of the deepening of its’ zero tolerance for corruption in the service.
In a statement by PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani , he explained that,”The Commission has recently noted some positive signals from Nigeria police officers who have stood against corruption in the face of tempting offers.
“The PSC Chairman ,DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), in reaction to the pleasant developments, said it is a battle that must be won in the interest of the Nigerian nation.
“The Commission notes the recent rejection of the whopping sum of N174million by detectives of the Raider team from Zone 2 Command Lagos and the swift recovery of N10 million from some policemen from Zone 16 Command Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as refreshing signposts of the deepening of his zero tolerance for Corruption in the service.
“CSP Ngozi Braide, had led her team from Zone 2 Lagos, to arrest a suspected Internet fraudster,Patrick Akpoguma, in Lagos, and courageously played along, collecting a huge sum of 100,000 Dollars, an equivalent of N174million in bribe which she subsequently registered as evidence and arrested the fraudster for investigation.
“The war against official corruption in the police, the battle cry of DIG Hashimu Argungu, Chairman, Police Service Commission is spreading like wild fire with the dividends already trickling down.
“DIG Argungu had declared at his assumption of office that he would not tolerate corruption at both the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force and had quickly launched whistle blowing Policy in the Commission.
“He had also presented himself for official scrutiny and declared that the whistle should be blown on him if found wanting in the line of duty.
“DIG Argungu wishes to commend the Inspector General of Police for the current positive dispositions of the officers and men against the lure of corruption.
“He assured that police officers who distinguish themselves and take the war against corruption to the next level would in no time be recognised by the Commission and appropriate benefits extended to them.
“The PSC Chairman said although the Commission will not engage in special promotions, it has the powers to give accelerated promotion based on merit and performance.
“He tasked police officers to continue to do their best to advance the nation’s security architecture. He noted that Nigeria must be freed of insurgency and terror”.