For demanding and collecting bribes from suspects before granting them bail, two police officers, Sergeant Ajileye Samuel and PC Garuba Gbenga were at the weekend, arrested by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The officers, who are presently being interrogated at the commission's headquarters in Abuja, will soon be charged to court.
According to a statement from the ICPC, signed by Mike Sowe, Head, Public Enlightenment Department, Sgt Ajileye Samuel and PC Garuba Gbenga who are serving with the A Division of the Nigeria Police in Akure, Ondo State, has released one of three suspects on bail on the condition that she would go and source for N3000 (three thousand naira) and bring as a condition for the release of the two others.
"The complainant decided to report the matter to ICPC and a sting operation was set in motion. A team of investigators immediately swung into action and moved down to Akure and soon as the money was handed over to Garuba Gbenga, he was arrested. Upon interrogation Gbenga said that he was instructed by his Head of Department, Sgt Ajiyele Samuel to collect the said sum from the suspects. The sergeant also arrested by the operatives." The statement further added.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Governmental Group against Money Laundering In West Africa (GIABA) has congratulated Nigeria for the success recorded by the country in the anti-graft campaign as reflected in the recent rating of the corruption perception index released by Transparency International .
Director General of GIABA, Dr Abdullahi Shehu, who led a nine-man team to the Headquarters of the ICPC, in Abuja, gave the commendation during an interactive session with the management of the anti-graft agency.
His words: "I do not know if it is by coincidence that the Transparency International Index report was released some few days ago, and I should say congratulations for the significant progress Nigeria has made."
"It is indicative that the international community is appreciating what is happening and part of our visit is to spur and encourage you to do what you are doing because we are doing it for the overall interest of Nigeria , the region and international community."
"What are the benefits of these assessments? The benefits are both to you as well as the international community. For the international community, it would provide some information regarding the investment climate in this country which could help also to attract foreign investors." he added
By Emmanuel Ulayi, Abuja
Vanguard
Saturday, September 30, 2007
