In a rare show of appreciation for integrity in public service, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Delta State chapter, has honoured Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aliyu Shaba for what they described as his anti-corruption stance and outstanding service within the Nigeria Police Force.
At a colourful ceremony in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area on Thursday, the senior lawyers not only presented ACP Shaba with a merit award but also surprised him with a ₦1 million scholarship endowment for any of his children’s education.
The recognition, according to the doyens of the legal profession, was aimed at celebrating excellence in a system often tainted by corruption.
Chief Thompson Okpoko (SAN), former Chairman of the Body of Benchers and one of the conveners, said the gesture was to prove that Nigeria still has officers whose integrity can inspire confidence in the police.
“We felt we should acknowledge what is good. Good work must be commended and rewarded. Even though corruption has pervaded many parts of our society, people like Shaba give us hope. If there is no officer ready to receive a bribe, there will be no citizen to give it,” Okpoko said.
Also speaking, former NBA National President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN), commended Shaba’s courage and distinction, noting that the award was not intended to be routine but reserved strictly for those who exceed expectations.
“This is not about government recognition; it is about individuals doing their part. We are celebrating excellence, and we hope this will inspire more police officers to rise above the norm. If no one meets the standard in the next ten years, then no award will be given. We celebrate only those who excel,” Alegeh emphasized.
Shaba, now Commander of the Ughelli Police Area Command, previously served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ekpan, Warri, Udu, and Abraka, where his crime-fighting strategies earned him the award of Best Police Officer of the Year 2023.
Former NBA Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kunle Edun (SAN), said Shaba’s record was already a matter of public knowledge.
“His footprints across divisions in Delta show integrity and performance. It is only right that we celebrate him so other officers can take a cue,” Edun said.
Visibly moved, ACP Shaba thanked BOSAN for the recognition, admitting he never saw it coming.
“I am highly delighted to be honoured by a class of SANs, my Commissioner of Police, and well-meaning citizens of Delta. This shows that when you do the right thing, people are watching. I urge other officers not to wait for rewards but to always do what is right. Recognition will come,” Shaba said.
The maiden event, the first of its kind in the Niger Delta, drew an impressive gathering of judges, SANs, top police brass, and community leaders.
Among dignitaries present were: Charles Ajuyah (SAN), Ama Etuwewe (SAN), Ayo Asala (SAN), Victor Akpoguma (SAN-designate), Efecha Akpofure (SAN), Delta State Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, and the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Mr. Anthony Ofoni.