The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has praised Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade, who oversees Zone 2 Police Command (comprising Lagos and Ogun states), and his officers for rejecting a bribe of $100,000 (approximately N174 million) last week.
Argungu also commended police officers in the Zone 16 Command headquarters in Bayelsa State for their efforts in recovering N10 million from corrupt colleagues.
Since assuming office, Argungu has been steadfast in his commitment to eradicating corruption within both the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force.
He introduced a whistleblower policy within the Commission and has publicly pledged to be held accountable for his actions, encouraging whistleblowing should he fall short in his duties.
The PSC chairman expressed his approval of these recent positive actions by police officers, noting that standing against corruption, even in the face of significant temptation, is a critical battle for the nation.
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He described the rejection of the N174 million bribe and the recovery of N10 million as important milestones in reinforcing his zero-tolerance stance on corruption within the police service.
CSP Ngozi Braide had led her team from Zone 2 police Lagos, to arrest a suspected Internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma in Lagos and was directed by AIG Fayoade to courageously play along, collecting a huge sum of S100 000 Dollars an equivalent of N174million in bribe which she subsequently registered as an evidence and arrested the fraudster for investigation.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani: “DIG Argungu rtd wishes to commend the Inspector General of Police for the current positive dispositions of the Officers and Men against the lure of corruption.
“He assured that Police Officers who distinguish themselves and take the war against corruption to the next level would in no time be recognised by the Commission and appropriate benefits extended to them.
“The PSC Chairman said although the Commission will not engage in special promotions, it has the power to give accelerated promotions based on merit and performance.
“He tasked Police Officers to continue to do their best to advance the nation’s security architecture. DIG Argungu noted that Nigeria must be freed of insurgency and terrorterror.”