Award-winning and celebrated officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Deputy Commissioner Francis Osagie Erhabor, renowned for his integrity and lifestyle throughout his 35 years of service, has retired.
He left a book titled, ‘I Dared to be Different’ for the younger and future generations of policemen and other Nigerians as curtains drew on his unblemished 35 years in service.
Erhabor’s claim of having never taken a bribe was not contradicted by anyone during his career. He completed his service as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Itam, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on 2 April 2025, when he officially retired from the force.
The book by the incorruptible police officer was launched recently in Uyo, the state capital.
The Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG) contacted Erhabor through its partnership with Accountability Lab during one of its projects, which ‘identifies and celebrates Nigeria’s most honest government officials’.
Upon being recognised as an Integrity Icon by Accountability Lab Nigeria a few years ago, Erhabor spoke to ‘PRIMORGNEWS‘ about his inspiration for upholding integrity as a police officer.
He said: ‘When I entered the job, I took a strong vow. I knew my system thrived in corruption, and I said to myself, ‘if I would in any way corrupt myself, I told the Lord don’t humiliate me in secret, show me on big-time televisions like ‘NTA, BBC, and CNN‘; if I take a bribe or corrupt myself’.
The exceptional police officer emphasised that he was prepared to be disgraced ‘even if it is for taking N20, which was synonymous with men of the force’.
Erhabor used his inspirational book to share his 35-year journey in the Police Force. During this time, he stood against bribery, injustice, and a system that often rewarded compromise over character.
A part of the book reads: ‘From million-naira bribes, threats, career stagnation, every temptation, and opposition came his way. Yet, he stood firm.
‘From dismantling illegal operations to transforming community policing, Francis proved that one person, armed with integrity, can rewrite the rules. His defiance earned him accolades, including the Public Service Integrity Award from President Muhammadu Buhari.
‘More than a memoir, ‘I Dared to Be Different’ is a call to action for leaders, dreamers, and everyday people who long for a better world’.
Erhabor’s journey in the police began as a cadet inspector on 2 April 1990. 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 Unit Commander in several states.
His tenure at Itam Police Division is particularly noteworthy for his dedication to ensuring bail remains free and fair.
Erhabor’s integrity is not an isolated incident but a testament to his lifelong commitment to ethical policing. When offered a bribe of N6 million weekly at a time he earned a modest salary of N37,500, to compromise security operations as a pipeline commander in Edo State, he 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 labelled the Nigeria Police as the most corrupt institution in the country, Erhabor’s principled stance is remarkable and rare. His actions earned him the respect and admiration of many, including the Afaha Obong Itam community, honouring him with the title ‘Owo Akpaniko’ (A man of integrity).
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’s reputation for integrity is well-earned, shaped by his consistent ethical conduct throughout his career.
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. Bribes were reportedly paid in 54% of interactions, and there was a 63% chance that Nigerians would be asked for a bribe during any encounter with the police.
