An official of the Nigerian Police Force
identified as Julius Adewale Adedeji, who is said
to have never taken a bribe before, has been
celebrated by BBC as Nigeria’s ‘most dedicated
police officer’.
While speaking in an interview following the
recognition by the international media
organization, he said; “I was just performing
my duty. I didn’t know I was being watched. I
thank God that it’s recognized and I feel like
putting my best more and more.
“A copy of the letter was delivered to my office
for my information, when I read through it, I
was wondering could it be true? I read through
the letter and I saw that it said, they wanted an
institution where they can name and shame
those that are not doing well and encourage the
people that are doing well within the Nigerian
police force, I felt so great.”
When as asked he has been offered money,
thinking maybe he might be asking for bribe, he
said; “Absolutely. And even today a person
offered to give me some money and I said
“no,no,no,no why would you do that, I’m just
doing my work. They were surprised.”
When asked he is not tempted to take bribe as
synonymous with many policemen around the
country, he said; “Of course, there’s no way
one would not once in a while be tempted, but
I just want to do what is right.”
On his colleagues in the Police force who are in
the habit of taking bribes, he said; “Of course,
there are bad eggs everywhere in every
profession you can find, but there are quite a
large number of people that are actually doing
well within the Nigerian police force.
“And I know in my little space where I work,
I’ve seen people who are going the wrong way.
We’ve talked to them and told them you don’t
have to do this and God will find a way to bless
you when you’re doing what is right.”
