*As court convicts 2 Chinese citizens
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network, a group based in Kaduna, has called on the Nigerian Police Authorities to reward an officer who refused N50 million bribe from two Chinese officials.
The officer, Abdullahi Lawal, who was the former Sokoto State Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was commended by the group for his patriotism and honesty.
Leader of the group, Comrade Shehu Abubakar, praised Lawal during an interview with journalists in Kaduna shortly after the Court of Appeal sentenced the two Chinese officials to prison for their offenses.
Abubakar urged the highest police authorities to promote Lawal, a senior police officer, as a reward for his honesty and actions.
The Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal had found Mr. Meng Wei Kun and Mr. Xu Kuai guilty of two of a three-count charge that included conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted bribery to the tune of N50 million brought against them by the EFCC.
Abdul Abdul Rahman Giwa, another member of the anti-corruption group, also commended the judiciary for upholding the truth by ensuring that the Chinese men were convicted.
Giwa emphasized the importance of recognizing officers like Abdullahi Lawal, who serve their country with dedication and patriotism.
The group believes that recognizing and rewarding officers like Lawal will serve as motivation to other junior-ranking officers to emulate him.
Furthermore, such recognition would demonstrate to the world that Nigerians were not corrupt and that there were citizens who were proud of their country.
The call for Lawal’s promotion highlighted the importance of integrity in law enforcement and the fight against corruption.
It also emphasized the need to recognize and reward honest officers who perform their duties with dedication and patriotism.