Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has publicly commended a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer, Ugochukwu Orji, for rejecting a N10 million bribe offered by a native doctor accused of ritual killings.

Otti gave the commendation on Sunday while addressing a 30-member delegation of the organisers and sponsors of the Oha Isiala Ngwa Grand Civic Reception held in his honour. According to a statement released Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Njoku Ukoha, the governor described Orji’s action as a reflection of Abia values.

“I have always made this point that we are straightforward people, we are not criminals. We don’t steal, we don’t cheat. Of course, out of every 12, there must be a Judas. Sometimes the Judas is so loud that he drowns the good jobs of the other 11,” Otti said. “What you did is typical of us; you represented us very, very well.”

The governor referenced a recent case in which a tricycle rider returned a large sum of money left in his vehicle. “Just like the gentleman who returned a huge sum of money and we celebrated him, so, we will celebrate you also,” he added.

Otti also encouraged Orji not to be discouraged by any criticism or doubt surrounding his decision. “There is so much to gain by rejecting bribes. N10 million is a lot of money, and you could do so much with it, but you rejected it. And you rejected it because it is not earned. So, I want to encourage you to continue to serve in a straightforward manner. This example you have shown, hold on to it.”

The governor’s comments come as details continue to emerge regarding the arrest of Onyeka Obu, a native doctor popularly known as “Ozo Ezeani” or “E dey play E dey show,” who is accused of ritual killings in Enugu State.

On 26 May, Obu was alleged to have buried several individuals in a pit, including a pregnant woman, in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area. Police in Enugu State, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel and community members, arrested three suspects connected to the incident and rescued a 13-year-old girl reportedly abducted for ritual purposes.

Obu, who fled the scene before police arrived, was later intercepted by immigration officers at the Badagry-Seme border area while attempting to leave the country. He allegedly offered Orji N10 million and an iPhone to secure his escape, but the offer was declined.

The NIS later transferred the suspect to the Lagos State Police Command, which in turn moved him to Enugu for prosecution.