In 2018, Utibe Akanimo, a 48-year-old commercial motorcyclist, had been detained by the Itam Police Division in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state for dropping a passenger in a restricted area. His predicament, typical of the widespread issues in Nigeria’s police system, seemed dire—until an unexpected intervention changed his fate.

Akanimo, who uses his motorcycle to support his family, had violated the state law  prohibiting motorcycles on highways in Uyo, restricting them to remote areas. However, he acted in good faith, trying to assist a physically challenged person get to their destination.His pleas fell on deaf ears as he was arrested, stripped naked at the police station, and his motorcycle seized.

“Even when I tried explaining that it was because of the physically challenged person that made me ride the motorcycle to the highway, no single policeman cared to listen,” he recalls. 

In his disheveled state, he saw a man enter the scene whose actions would later become a beacon of hope for many. That man was Francis Erhabor, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Itam Police Division. 

Erhabor, known for his integrity, took immediate interest in Akanimo’s case. After listening to the situation and understanding the context—Akanimo’s attempt to assist a physically challenged individual—Erhabor offered fatherly advice rather than imposing a fine. “I was shocked to my marrow,” Akanimo recalls, “He let me leave with my motorcycle without paying a dime.”

Erhabor Walks the Talk on Free Bail 

Akanimo’s encounter exemplifies Erhabor’s dedication to upholding the principle that police bail is free, a right enshrined in the Nigeria Police Act of 2020. Despite the widely publicized “bail is free” campaign launched by former Inspector General Ibrahim Idris in 2017, the practice often remains a facade in many stations, where bail racketeering is rampant. However, Erhabor’s tenure at Itam Police Division demonstrated a rare commitment to transparency and justice

Police bail, officially known as ‘pre-charge bail,’ is used when police have arrested a suspect but do not have enough evidence to charge them with a crime. If  deemed necessary, the police are obligated to release the suspect on bail while  continuing their investigation. 

Section 62, 63 and 64 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 guarantee police bail as part of the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.

Interestingly, in 2017, then-Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris launched the bail-is- free campaign urging the public to report any police officer who demanded money or pecuniary benefits before, during, or after bail is granted.

Consequently, police stations across the country were adorned with signs such as “Bail is free”, “Bail is your right”, and ” Bail is not for sale.”. Yet in practice, bail racketeering remains common, as detainees often fear losing their freedom and are left with no choice but to succumb to payment pressures.

Erhabor’s journey in the police force began on April 2, 1990, as a cadet inspector. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, serving in various capacities including Police Public Relations Officer, Trainer/Instructor at the Police Mobile Training Camp in Gwoza, and as Unit Commander in multiple states. His tenure at Itam Police Division is particularly noteworthy for his steadfast refusal to accept bribes and his dedication to ensuring bail remains free and fair.

The integrity Erhabor has displayed is not an isolated incident but a testament to his lifelong commitment to ethical policing. When offered a bribe of N6 million to compromise security operations as a pipeline commander in Edo State, Erhabor firmly rejected the offer, demonstrating a resolve that has defined his career.

In a sector notorious for corruption, as highlighted by the 2019 Corruption Perception Survey, which labeled the Nigerian Police as the most corrupt institution in the country, Erhabor’s principled stance is both remarkable and rare. His actions have earned him the respect and admiration of many, including the Afaha Obong Itam community, which honored him with the title “Owo Akpaniko,” meaning “A man of Integrity.”

Chief Ime Asuquo Ukana, the village head, praised Erhabor for his honest and disciplined approach, noting that he often mediated conflicts and worked to reduce crime through community engagement. “Erhabor’s efforts not only built trust within the community but also significantly reduced crime,” Ukana stated.

Erhabor’s impact extended beyond his professional duties. He transformed the infrastructure of the Itam Police Division, funding improvements through a network of friends and supporters, enhancing the division’s operational capabilities.

Erhabor’ History of Integrity 

Erhabor’s reputation for integrity is well-earned, shaped by his consistent ethical conduct throughout his career. During his tenure as a pipeline commander in Edo State, where he earned a modest salary of N37,500, Erhabor faced a significant test of his principles. He was offered a bribe of N6 million weekly to overlook illegal activities involving oil bunkering merchants. Despite the substantial sum and the temptation it presented, Erhabor stood firm, refusing to compromise his values.

His refusal to accept the bribe was notable, especially in a context where corruption has become rampant. Reports have frequently highlighted how security agencies in Nigeria have succumbed to bribery, sometimes even facilitating the smuggling of firearms used by bandits. The 2019 Corruption Perception Survey by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) identified the Nigeria Police as the most corrupt institution in the country, with bribes being paid in 54 percent of interactions and a 63 percent chance that Nigerians would be asked for a bribe during any encounter with the police.

In this environment of widespread corruption, Erhabor’s steadfast adherence to integrity stands out. His ability to resist the lure of financial gain and uphold his principles, despite the pressures and corrupt practices prevalent in his field, underscores what truly sets him apart.

A Determination to Uphold Integrity

Erhabor says the foundation of rectitude in the police force was a  decision he made before joining.

“Before entering the force, I had taken an oath that the day I compromised myself, ‘Lord just embarrass me, show me on  TV for the world to see’,” he recalls.

“One legacy my dad left behind before his demise was that a good name has better fragrance than an expensive perfume. I have always worked for that reputation and I really want to thank God,” he adds.

Efforts to influence the system

Erhabor said he is interested in instilling integrity within his area of influence in the force. He believes the root cause of corruption often stems from insufficient funds  for infrastructure maintenance and office logistics. Through what he describes as a “collaborative action strategy,” Erhabor has engaged stakeholders who voluntarily contribute towards policing needs within the 10 divisions of the Itu/Ibiono area that he oversees as Area Commander. He says this strategy was key to his success as the DPO of Itam Division. 

Trials Along the Pathway of Integrity 

The path of resisting corruption has never been smooth. Despite his efforts to promote integrity within his sphere of influence, Erhabor admits that he has not completely met his expectations, as corruption remains pervasive in society. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, believing that even small efforts can yield results. 

Erhabor explains that his commitment to honesty is sometimes met with persecution, and there have been occasions where his life was threatened.

For choosing to be different, Erhabor who has served the force for over 30 years, had at one point been denied promotion on three separate occasions, even as juniors were promoted over him.

This situation pushed him to consider resigning from the Police Force in 2021. 

“I have witnessed my juniors get promoted over me, and it hurts deeply. I filed a complaint, asked for ratification of my promotion date, and was even investigated, with the outcome verified in my favor, yet nothing has been done to remedy the situation.” 

Recognition for Integrity

Despite the challenges, Erhabor’s integrity has not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards, including the Integrity Icon Award from Accountability Lab Nigeria in 2019, the Integrity Award from Youth Alive Foundation in collaboration with UKAID/DFID in 2018, an Integrity Award from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in 2020, and an Integrity Award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, in 2020. These honors culminated in the Public Service Integrity Award presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 28, 2020.

Francis Erhabor now serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Police overseeing 10 divisions within the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Area Command in Akwa Ibom State.

 This report is championed by Accountability Lab Nigeria and sponsored by The John D. and Catherine D. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.