…Reaffirms Commitment to Professionalism, Integrity, and Merit in Policing
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has applauded the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, for hosting a grand state banquet in honour of Superintendent of Police (SP) Sentome Obi, recipient of the 2024 Police Officer of the Year Award and the prestigious IGP Integrity Award.
According to a press release on Friday, 25th July, 2025, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the ceremony, held on Tuesday, 23rd July, 2025, in Yenagoa, highlighted a monumental gesture of support for ethical leadership in policing. SP Sentome Obi, Head of the Financial and Cybercrime Unit, Zone 16 Command, Yenagoa, earned national recognition after heroically rejecting a $17,000 bribe intended to obstruct a critical investigation. His principled conduct drew praise from both the public and the Force leadership, serving as a shining example of integrity under pressure.
In recognition of his service, Governor Diri presented SP Obi with a brand-new Toyota Corolla and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow—an unprecedented reward that sets a new benchmark for honouring ethical conduct in Nigeria’s public service.
Commending the gesture, IGP Egbetokun described it as a landmark moment in the quest to institutionalise integrity within the Nigeria Police Force. “This is more than a commendation; it is a cultural statement. It tells every officer that integrity is not just expected but rewarded,” the IGP stated.
As part of its commitment to institutional reform, the Force Management Team, during its meeting on Monday, 23rd June 2025, resolved to recommend both SP Obi (2024 recipient) and CSP Aliyu Shaba (2023 recipient) for accelerated promotion by the Police Service Commission. The portraits of both officers will also be prominently displayed at all State and Zonal Command Headquarters, at the main entrance of the Force Headquarters (Louis Edet House, Abuja), and within the Nigeria Police Hall of Fame.
In a broader policy shift, the IGP announced that officers who win the Police Officer of the Year Award, the IGP Recognition Award, or other national commendations at least twice within two consecutive award cycles will henceforth be eligible for accelerated promotion. This initiative is designed to embed performance-based recognition within the personnel management framework of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to reposition the Force into a modern, ethical, and accountable institution—one that upholds discipline, transparency, service, and excellence as the bedrock of its operations.
