Award-winning and celebrated officer of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP 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 Nigerians as curtains drew on his unblemished 35 years in service.
Erhabor is widely known as a Police officer whose claim of having never taken a bribe was not contradicted by anyone during his career. He completed his service as the Divisional Police Officer, Itam, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on April 2, 2025, when he officially retired from the force.
To commemorate his milestone as an incorruptible police officer, he wrote a book titled “I Dared to be Different,” launched recently in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
The Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development, PRIMORG, contacted Erhabor through our partnership with Accountability Lab during one of its projects, which ”identifies and celebrates Nigeria’s most honest government officials.”
Erhabor, upon being recognized as an Integrity Icon by Accountability Lab Nigeria a few years ago, told PRIMORGNEWS his inspiration for upholding integrity as a police officer.
His words: “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 not 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 emphasized 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, published upon retirement, to share his 35-year journey in the Nigeria Police Force. During this time, he stood against bribery, injustice, and a system that often rewarded compromise over character.
“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,” part of the book reads.
Erhabor’s journey in the police force began as a cadet inspector on April 2, 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 multiple states.
His tenure at Itam Police Division is particularly noteworthy for his steadfast refusal to accept bribes and 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 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 labelled the Nigerian 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,” meaning “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 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 when corruption had 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. Bribes were paid in 54 percent of interactions, and there was a 63 percent chance that Nigerians would be asked for a bribe during any encounter with the police.
Excerpts from Francis Erhabor’s book
I Dared to Be Different
Some battles choose you. Others, you decide for yourself.
For Francis Osage Erhabor, the choice was clear: He would not bow to corruption, no matter the cost. In I Dared to Be Different, he shares his 35-year journey in the Nigeria Police Force. During this time, he stood against bribery, injustice, and a system that often rewarded compromise over character.
As a child, he witnessed his father’s wrongful arrest. Instead of growing bitter, he boldly decided to join the police and be the exchange from within.
The path was anything but easy. 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 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.
It is proof that doing what is right may come at a cost, but the reward—legacy, impact, and true leadership—is far greater.
Francis Osagie Erhabor
There are those who go with the flow, and then there are those who dare to stand apart. Francis O s a g e Erhabor is one of the latter – a man who chose integrity over convenience, purpose over profit, and truth over approval.
For 35 years, he walked a path many feared to tread, serving in the Nigeria Police Force with a conviction that made him both an outlier and a beacon.
Born into a polygamous family, he grew up seeing life’s stark contrasts-love and hardship, justice and injustice. But one moment changed everything: the day he watched his father suffer an unfair arrest. It was then that he decided he would not just join the system; he would change it.
From rejecting million-naira bribes to pioneering community-driven policing, Francis remained unwavering. Even when the cost was high, after years of stagnation, financial struggles, and opposition, he stood his ground.
His courage earned him honours, including the Public Service Integrity Award from President M u h a m m a d Buhari.
Today, he carries his message beyond the force by speaking, mentoring, and inspiring change through his book I Dared to Be Different.
His life proves that one person, armed with conviction, can rewrite the rules.