A Superintendent of Police with the Lagos State Police Command, Ibrahim Ezekiel Sini, has been rewarded with a plot of land in Abuja after he refused a staggering N150 million bribe offered by a Lagos businessman.
A reward ceremony held over the weekend in Abuja celebrated Sini’s steadfast commitment to integrity and ethical conduct within the Nigeria Police Force.
Presenting the land, FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh commended SP Sini, stating that his exemplary conduct has brought pride and honor to the entire police force.
The ceremony, organized by Vegas Homes CEO Prince Chukwuemeka Okoye, underscored the significance of SP Sini’s decision in upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
“SP Sini’s action has not only brought honour to himself and the Nigeria Police Force but also inspired others to stand firm against corruption and uphold the highest ethical standards,” remarked Okoye.
He emphasised that the gesture of appreciation through the land allocation was just one of many planned to recognize SP Sini’s integrity and courage.
“To reject N150 million takes discipline, the fear of God and professionalism,” added Okoye, highlighting the extraordinary nature of SP Sini’s refusal.
Akintoye Akindele, currently remanded in Kuje prison following charges by the FCT High Court, allegedly offered the bribe to obstruct investigations into allegations against him.
The charges relate to accusations by Summit Oil International Limited of defrauding the company of $5.6 million and N73.5 million.
SP Sini, speaking at the ceremony, reaffirmed his decision to decline the bribe, citing his commitment to peace of mind, adherence to police mandates, and preservation of his family’s integrity.
Akindele was arraigned on a bribery charge at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.
The case, numbered CR/595/2023, saw Acting Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun listed as the Plaintiff/Applicant.
The charge alleges that between August 5 and 9, 2023, in Abuja, Akindele offered a bribe totaling N150,000,000.00 to SP Ibrahim Ezekiel Sini and his team.
This purported action was during an investigation initiated by a petition from Summit Oil International Limited, accusing Akindele of diverting $5,636,397.01 and N73,543,763.25.
The alleged bribe was intended to facilitate Akindele’s escape abroad and to influence a favorable investigative report.
Akindele pleaded not guilty to the offence punishable under Section 118 of the Penal Code Law.
Justice Hamza Muazu declined the prosecution’s request for extended detention, citing the bailable nature of the offence.
Consequently, Akindele was granted bail set at N500 million, requiring two sureties of equal sum, with one surety mandated to own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory and be a resident thereof.
Additionally, he was required to surrender his passport to the court.
Akindele’s legal representative, Pelumi Olajengbesi, highlighted a separate legal victory in the Nasarawa State Chief Magistrate Court.
The court, in Suit No: CMC/MG/CR/175/2023, annulled a warrant of arrest and remand against Akindele, contending that business rivals had orchestrated baseless allegations against him through proxies.
Olajengbesi argued that the warrants were improperly issued without jurisdiction and lacked substantive grounds.