Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the immigration officer who apprehended a wanted Enugu native doctor accused of ritual killings, has been awarded N5 million in recognition of his bravery.
The reward was presented by Chief Ebuka Onunkwo — a leading industrialist, philanthropist, and senatorial aspirant for the Anambra South by-election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Onunkwo hosted Orji at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Orji was on duty last month at the Seme Border when the suspect, known as Ichie Billion, attempted to cross into the Republic of Benin on a motorcycle. Recognizing the fugitive from images circulated online, Orji promptly intercepted him.
While presenting the N5 million cheque, Onunkwo — who is also the Chairman and CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd. — said the gesture was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and a call to revive moral values in the country.
“Nigeria still has men of honour. Ugochukwu stood in the gap when it mattered. In a system where many are tempted to sell their conscience, he chose to uphold the law,” Onunkwo said.
“Seahorse is rewarding him not just for his bravery but to promote a culture of truth and accountability. I urge the Nigerian Immigration Service to officially recognize him. Let this serve as a reminder that integrity is possible — and it pays.”
Recounting the arrest, Orji said: “I stopped him and showed him a photo. He initially denied it, claiming the man in the picture was his brother. He later offered bribes — N3 million, then N7 million, N10 million, and finally N15 million — through his wife.
“I pretended to cooperate just to keep him calm while detaining him. After confirming his identity with my superior, I handcuffed him and recovered incriminating voice notes from his phone showing he was trying to cover his tracks.”
