Police Officer Honoured for Rejecting ₦800,000 Bribe from Robbery Suspect

A police officer who turned down an ₦800,000 bribe offer from a robbery suspect has been publicly commended by the Nigeria Police Force for his integrity and professionalism. The officer, whose name has not been disclosed for security reasons, reportedly refused the bribe during an investigation in which a suspected armed robber attempted to secure his release through illicit means.

According to the Police Public Relations Office, the officer was part of a tactical team in a recent operation that led to the arrest of the suspect, who is believed to be part of a syndicate terrorising communities in a southern Nigerian state. Upon apprehension, the suspect allegedly offered the officer the bribe to facilitate his escape and avoid prosecution.

In a ceremony held at the state command headquarters, the officer received a formal letter of commendation from the Commissioner of Police, who praised his exemplary conduct. The commissioner described the officer’s actions as “a shining example of the integrity and discipline expected of every member of the Nigeria Police Force.”

“This officer demonstrated uncommon courage and an unwavering commitment to ethical conduct in the face of temptation,” the commissioner said. “He is a credit to the Force and a role model for others in uniform.”

The commendation comes amid widespread public concern over corruption within Nigeria’s law enforcement system. Incidents of bribery, extortion, and abuse of power have eroded public trust in recent years, making such moments of accountability and integrity highly significant.

The officer’s refusal to accept the bribe has drawn praise from civil society organisations, anti-corruption advocates, and members of the public. Many took to social media to hail the officer as a national hero and call for broader institutional reforms that would incentivise and reward integrity within the police system.

The spokesperson for a leading anti-corruption advocacy group, Transparency Watch Nigeria, described the recognition as a positive development in the fight against corruption. “It is encouraging to see the police not only take a strong stance against bribery but also honour officers who uphold the law. We need more of this if we are to change the culture of impunity,” the group said in a statement.

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to promoting professionalism, transparency, and ethical conduct among its personnel. Authorities said the officer’s actions will be used as a case study during future training exercises to emphasise the importance of accountability and moral courage in law enforcement.

The Force also urged other officers to emulate the example, noting that public confidence in the police depends largely on the honesty and fairness with which they carry out their duties. In a related development, the arrested suspect is expected to be arraigned in court soon on multiple charges, including armed robbery and attempted bribery of a law enforcement officer.

As the commendation letter was handed over to the officer amid applause, the Commissioner assured that the leadership of the Force would continue to identify and reward integrity at all levels. “This is the police force we want to build — one where honour and service prevail over personal gain,” he said.

The Commissioner further revealed that plans are underway to recommend the officer for national recognition, stressing that his conduct exemplifies the values enshrined in the Police Act. He noted that such acts of integrity should not only be celebrated internally but also showcased on national platforms to inspire other public servants and young Nigerians at large.

Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force stated that it would introduce a structured reward system to institutionalise the recognition of ethical behaviour among its ranks. This system, according to the commissioner, would ensure that officers who display honesty, discipline, and dedication to duty are consistently acknowledged and motivated, ultimately fostering a culture of integrity across the Force.