Bayelsa Police Officer Honoured For Rejecting $17,000 Bribe.
Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi has been celebrated as a beacon of integrity after rejecting a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspected criminal in Bayelsa State. The officer, a native of the state and head of the Financial and Cybercrime Unit at Zone 16 Command in Yenagoa, was recognised for his principled stand during a state executive council meeting on 23 July 2025.
Governor Douye Diri, in a ceremony at Government House, Yenagoa, praised Obi for his gallantry and devotion to duty, stating that his actions brought pride to both Bayelsa and the Nigeria Police Force. The governor rewarded Obi with a three-bedroom flat and a Toyota Corolla, while also recommending him to the Inspector-General of Police for a special promotion. “At a time when the Nigeria Police faces image challenges, SP Obi has proven that a good name is worth more than riches,” Diri said, urging other officers to emulate his example.
The bribe was offered by a suspect allegedly involved in organ harvesting, with some reports linking the individual to the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a Bayelsa State High Court judge, on 21 June 2025. Obi, acting on credible intelligence, arrested the suspect and recovered several incriminating items, choosing integrity over financial gain. The governor also announced that all but one of the judge’s abductors had been apprehended, with the gang’s leader still at large.
Bayelsa Police Commissioner Francis Idu commended Obi as one of the force’s most dedicated officers, expressing gratitude to the state government for recognising his exemplary conduct. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, also lauded the governor’s gesture, describing it as a “watershed moment” for reinforcing ethical policing in Nigeria.
Obi’s actions have resonated widely, with the officer himself stating that his decision was driven by a commitment to serve society and uphold the trust placed in him by taxpayers. The recognition, which includes the Police Officer of the Year 2024 and IGP Integrity Award, underscores his role as a model for law enforcement officers nationwide.
This honour comes amidst broader efforts by the Bayelsa government to combat crime, including the use of drones and CCTV cameras to enhance security. As the state continues its zero-tolerance stance on criminality, Obi’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the value of integrity in public service.
