In a moment that restored public faith in law enforcement, a senior officer of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command turned down an ₦800,000 bribe intended to bury a robbery case—sending a strong message that integrity still thrives within the Nigeria Police Force.
The drama unfolded on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, where CSP Ebong Thompson, the officer in charge, received an unexpected visit—not from a criminal, but from someone trying to negotiate one out of justice.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in a statement issued on Friday indicated that David Samuel Isaac, a 53-year-old man with a known criminal history, had just been linked to a stolen Samsung phone, traced back to an armed robbery operation.
Explaining further the statement said Isaac, already familiar to police records for similar offenses, had seemingly returned to the underworld after a brief stint in court and temporary freedom.
‘In an attempt to wriggle out of the law’s grip yet again, Isaac allegedly enlisted Emmanuel Mendie Peter, a presumed associate, to carry out a dangerous errand—deliver ₦800,000 cash to the SWAT office, hoping it would secure his release and silence the case.
But things didn’t go as planned.
“Instead of succumbing to the bribe, CSP Thompson refused the money and promptly arrested the courier. The money meant to buy silence ended up strengthening justice.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, wasted no time in celebrating this rare but praiseworthy show of professionalism. At the Command’s end-of-month briefing, commendation letters were handed out to all officers involved in the operation.
“This is what policing should look like—honour above all else,” CP Azare declared. “I urge every officer to be inspired by this act and to always put duty above personal gain.”
In a climate where public trust in institutions often feels strained, this single act of courage and integrity has become a beacon of hope.
The Command has also issued a strong warning to the public: attempts to compromise police investigations will be met with the full weight of the law.
As the two suspects sit in custody awaiting prosecution, the bigger story remains—a police officer who chose the badge over the bribe.
The rejected Bribe
