Recently, Mr. Olasoji Olasunkanmi Akinbayo, the Area ‘B’ Commander Apapa, Lagos was elevated to the rank of a Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP and decorated with the new rank alongside other promotees by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police AIG Babatunde Johnson Kokumo at the expansive conference hall of the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan Lagos. Two days after, the senior Police officer who is renowned for his developmental policing model in Nigeria and irrevocably breaking uncommon frontiers in the psychology of policing, led the crème De la crème in the security, political and business sectors to the commissioning of a multi-million naira Police building in Apapa Area Command with well equipped offices; reports Ekamma Uba, Assistant Investigator Editor, Lagos/
FLANKED by his adorable wife, DCP Olasoji Olasunkami Akinbayo stood like a giant in the sun exuding rare content amid exchange of banters with friends and colleagues alike. Date was July 28, 2021 and the occasion was the decoration ceremony of his new rank as Deputy Commissioner of Police and venue was the expansive hall of the Zonal Command Headquarters, Onikan Lagos. As he matched in regal towards the podium where AIG Kokumo and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu waited in excitement to have the old rank yanked off his shoulders and the new one installed to the admiration of the cheering audience, DCP Akinbayo grinned in obvious fulfillment as both the senior Police officers and his wife (a former Police officer) ‘struggled’ to have the new rank replaced with the old one. It was a pleasant scene to behold.
Having ‘taken the salute’ the new DCP went straight to deliver a speech of appreciation on behalf other promotees. The very tall, dark complexioned Soji, blessed with rare intimidating masculine physique reminiscence of a crime fighter that he is, first and foremost, thanked God for his life, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Alkali Usman Baba for deeming him and his colleagues worthy in character and service to be so promoted and assured that they would not let the Police Force down. “Let me assure you sir, that this promotion would further spur us into putting in the best in us to the service of our fatherland. The journey so far had been tasking but worth the while altogether… we shall not let the Police and indeed, the country down,” remarked a gleeful Soji.
However, the Police led by the AIG Babatunde Johnson Kokumo, men and women of substance from all walks of life were shellshock three days after; precisely on Friday, July 30, 2021 when a giant-like well furnished and well equipped storey building stood in place where a mango tree and decrepit kiosk (formerly used for interrogating suspects) competed for space. It was awesome.
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It was not surprising therefore, that the AIG who stood in place of the IGP Alkali Usman Baba to commission the office complex couldn’t help but betrayed emotions when he heartily said, “What we are witnessing here today is nothing short of exceptional public relations and community policing in line with the IGP’s policy trust. DCP Olasoji has shown that he is a man of the people with robust public relations. He did not mortgage his public relations and the trust bestowed on him by the people of Apapa and beyond. If he had mortgaged his public relations I do not think this caliber of crowd would honour his invitation today. This is why I will admonish all of you officers here present and those who would later get to see the structure we are inaugurating today not to mortgage your public relations because if DCP Olasoji had betrayed the trust bestowed on him, there is no way he could have been able to achieve this. I am proud of him, the IGP is proud of him and I am sure the people are equally proud of him. He has told us in his welcome address that he couldn’t have been able to achieve this without the contributions of the good people of Apapa and his personal friends; and I am sure, some of these people if not all of them, are here present to see that whatever money they gave to him was not diverted into his personal purse but utilized for the purpose it was meant. I urge him therefore, to continue in this manner as he climbs up the ladder of his career with an assurance that history will always remember him.”
Taking a cue from the AIG Kokumo’s exhortation on the inimitable feat and rare developmental policing model of DCP Akinbayo, the Commissioner of Police Lagos state Police Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu who was also marveled by the extent of turnaround at the Area ‘B’ quipped:
“Like my AIG has said, this is community policing at its best. Some of us cannot do this because of greed in us. This is a man who has been able to utilize the trust and public relations bestowed on him by members of the public. He has done better and I want the upcoming officers to emulate this traits because it is not easy to utilize money for the purpose for which it was given.”
Earlier in his emotion-laden welcome address, a visibly elated DCP Olasoji; spotting his well dry-cleaned combatant-uniform radiating his new rank told the anxious mammoth crowd who graced the inauguration ceremony that:
“It gives me great pleasure to stand before these eminent personalities today, who, in spite of their very tight schedules, have endeavoured to grace this auspicious occasion of the Commissioning of what we have termed “Our Modest Contribution to the up-liftment of the Nigeria Police Force, Area ‘B’ Command, Apapa – Lagos.
This is to thank the Almighty God for giving us the zeal to accomplish this in line with the Inspector General of Police – IGP Alkali Usman Baba’s vision of policing with human face. When we arrived here a year and two months ago, those who were here and still here can bear witness to the entire structure and environmental degradation that was the lot of this Area Command. But today, we can comfortably say that the reverse is the case. This is why the Inspector General of Police shall be honouring those who contributed in one way or another to the success of this project. This is Community Policing in action.
Permit me to correct one impression that, the renovation records that have been associated with me wherever I am posted to, is merely to curry the sympathy of the high and mighty in the society. This is not true. The fact remains that, wherever I am posted to, I ensured that, the environment is habitable and conductive to operate in.
As we all know that, cleanliness is next to godliness. As Police Officers, we spend quite a number of hours of our daily lives in the office; so I do not see anything wrong in keeping or renovating this Command to improve quality service delivery of my Officers and men.
What we are witnessing today was replicated both in Ikeja Division as DPO, Area ‘D’ and Area ‘F’ Commander and earlier this January, 2021, we commissioned the first phase of the face-lifting of the Area Command Headquarters, Apapa.
It is on this note that, I wish to thank IGP Alkali Usman Baba, for giving me the platform to exhibit what God has planted in me and all those who contributed both financially and otherwise to see to the completion of this project. I remember, when I was posted here and we started clearing the junkyard, some Senior Officers called to mocked me that, I had started again and that, Police work should not be taken to high heavens.
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Some even advised me to prepare for retirement rather than use the money given to me to do project for the police. My father, when he was alive, always referred me to Exodus 23 – 1 in the Holy Bible which says; “thou shall not follow the multitude to do evil, neither shall thou speak in a cause, following many to divert judgment”.
Therefore, with this behind me, moral up-bringing as Zonal Pastor in Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, I am not expected to do otherwise. The donors here present, you can now see that, your various contributions were not diverted, you now trust the Nigeria Police, as we are now re-building the trust and confidence, applying restorative justice in our daily working.
We put into consideration that this generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country than Nigeria, we shall remain here to salvage it together.”
The denouement at the occasion was the exceptional acrobatic display by the popular Chinese ‘Dragon fly’ troupe; causing the audience to yell for more. It was a memorable occasion to cherish.
A brief on DCP Akinbayo and his modest contributions to crime fighting in Lagos State Police Command
Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Akinbayo Olasunkanmi Aremu Olasoji, the Area ‘B’ Police Commander, is a Security Operative of International repute, who rose to the meridian of success by the combination of sheer hard work, honesty, humility, prudence, discipline, integrity, self-control and above all the fear of God. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police on June 3, 2021.
One of his noteworthy performances was on July 20, 2020 when he intercepted a container with hard drugs, which led to the interception of other two containers, all valued at Fourteen Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million naira (N14,512,000,000.00) only.
These three 40ft containers contained illicit hard drugs of 907 cartons of Tramadol and other drugs which monetary value could not be immediately ascertained. But the consignee confessed and put the value of each of the three consignments at $1,000,300.00 USD; this is lower than the actual market value of the said drugs.
Through a robust inter-agency collaboration with sister agencies like the Customs, NAFDAC, SON, NDLEA, five suspects were arrested. They helped in the investigation and prosecution of two indicted suspects before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.
Again, the suspect as usual attempted to comprise the Area Commander to the tune of seventeen million naira (N17,000,000.00) through a middle-aged man, identified as Okeke Onyedika, who approached the two indicted suspects with a promise to corrupt the Area Commander and his team.
Investigation revealed that one Uchenna Oraeto Igboaka of 28, Akinyele Street, Aguda, Surulere Lagos, a native of Akanogu Umudimu, Abagana, Anambra State, the owner of the alleged fake drugs had contacted the said Okeke Onyedika who claimed to be highly connected to the Police high authorities and assured that he would explore all avenues possible to effect the release of the impounded killer drugs.
He therefore collected the N17 million naira from the detained owner of the drugs with the impression that he was going to give to the Police. Armed with the said amount which had been changed into foreign currencies, the suspect reportedly approached the Area Commander, DCP Olasoji Akinbayo to truncate investigations on how the container of the fake drugs entered into the country and how it was cleared. Unknown to Mr. Onyedika, DCP Akinbayo could not be compromised having rejected larger sums in the past and he was promptly arrested. When the suitcase was brought into the DCP’s office by the suspect, it was searched and only N7 million naira was discovered contrary to what he collected to prosecute the shady deal.
Before DCP Akinbayo Olasoji was moved to Area Command Apapa from Ikeja, he recorded other landmarks achievements which includes, the re-arrest of a 40ft container laden with fake drugs, somewhere in Oshodi. The said container marked SMK 708 XS was driven by one Falodun Gbenga of 2, Osunmo Akera Mowo Nia, Ikorodu Lagos and was on its way to Onitsha, Anambra State when operatives of the IGP X-Squad intercepted it and took it to their Alagbon Close, lkoyi Office on January 3, 2019.
*It is worthy of mention here that, prior to the coming of DCP Akinbayo to Apapa, several of such containers laden with fake drugs could have found their ways into the country with the attendant health hazards. In addition to the fake drugs container seized, the Area ‘B’ Command also recovered another 40ft container NO TEMU7187816 loaded with 556 bales of assorted wrappers/fabrics valued at about seventy million naira (N70,000,000.00). Five suspects were also arrested and a case of conspiracy and stealing was pressed against them. They had been charged to court for prosecution.
The knacks for professional ethics, scrupulous and determination coupled with hard-work, have yielded desired results within a short time of taking over the mantle of leadership as the Commander Area ‘D’ Mushin. The uncommon expertise and zeal with which he carried out his duty diligently resulted to the success recorded that spread all over the internet.
*On July 23, 2017, we read on the internet and were also informed by our community members that his officers raided notorious black spots at Akala, Olosha, Alakara, ldi-Araba and other areas in Mushin and arrested a large number of drug dealers; thereby crippling the activities of the Baron and Cartels at these locations.
*On the 22nd of May 2017, he routed out a mole in the service, by arresting a medical Doctor and a Police Inspector, who was notorious for giving information to armed robbers and assisting them with the required Police report to enable them treat bullet wounds.
*The notorious Alakara/ldi-Oro and Akala area of Mushin, to us it is more or less like the Chicago of Lagos in terms of crime rate and drug peddling. The area had hitherto been a place where physical assault, bodily harm, murder, smash and grab, intermittent house breaking and hemp smoking was the order of the day.
*These neighbourhoods are now becoming a safe place for the innocent and law abiding citizens, some good measure of peace and quiet are now been witnessed daily in the area, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Area Commander (DCP Akinbayo Olasoji).
*On record is October, 2017, operations, tagged “eradication of criminal hideout in Alakara area led by the officer where 50 persons were arrested while 48bags of hard drugs were confiscated. These suspects have all been charged to court. This further cleanses the community of miscreants and reduce crime rate.
*Also, in December, 2017, he also led a team of police officers to intercept six vehicles and arrested suspected smugglers carrying contraband goods including 220 bags of rice and several cartons of frozen chickens and turkey on Daleko Bridge Mushin Isolo. Thereby protecting the Nation’s economy from saboteurs.
*He has arrested a number of individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms, which could have been deployed in criminal activities, thereby being proactive in the prevention of crime and loss of lives.
*More recently, the DCP Akinbayo and his men struck a gang that specialized in circulating illicit drugs in Isolo axis and its leader arrested and handed over to the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) with exhibits (various drugs) recovered.
*Sometimes in March 2018, the officer was able to break the chain of distribution of drug while one suspect in spy Police uniform with one Outander SUV with Reg. No. MUS 834 ER that involved in disguised as a Policeman to distribute hard drug at dreaded Akala. With this achievement a chain of distribution had been blocked.
*On the August 29, 2018 One Segun Kazeem, AKA Water, a notorious armed Robber and a leader of a cult gang popularly known as ‘NO SALARY was arrested along with one Femi Kazeem and a secretary to the group Sodiq, one locally made, cut-to-size double barrel short gun was recovered from them. This was among other several cultists arrested within Ejigbo, Alakara and llasamaja and Olosan axis of Mushin. This has led to the relocation of many cultists from the command to other neighbouring State.
*With his diligence and painstaking investigation, an ex-staff of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry who specialized in distribution of restricted drug was arrested on the 12th October, 2019 after several efforts.
*Under his supervision, one lkwuameze Nnamdi and three others who specialized in forging Total oil stickers and adulterated oil were smashed on the February 2, 2019.
*Another success was recorded on 11 February, 2019 when Emmanuel Nijoku and three others were arrested at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin for production and distribution of fake foreign wine.
*Arrest of two robbery suspect and recovery of one Toyota Highlander Jeep at Ladipo Market, Mushin on 29” April, 2019
*His wealth of experience, cleanliness has led to the current renovations that cover all the office building at the Area ‘D’ command. It worthy to note that DCP Olasoji carried out a massive renovation and construction of new offices while held realm of affair as DPO Ikeja Division, this singular in addition to several other achievements which are visible, single the officer out among his contemporary
*The officer constantly holds community interface to carry his host community along and to give relevant information that will help individuals in their tune with his host community everyday lives. He is and fosters good relationship with all and sundry thereby projecting a very positive image for the Nigeria Police Force.
*On resumption as Commander Area ‘F’ Command Headquarters, Ikeja DCP Olasoji carried out total renovation of both the building structure and the command environment. He is known for this indelible ink wherever he deploys for work (AoR).
*Sometimes in August 2019, he led a team that apprehends two Chinese nationals for operating in illegal e-waste factory in Lagos.
*Investigation into the case of fraud, cheating, illicit money transfers of the sum of USD400,172.82 from the account of one Kamen J Verhey which led to the recovery of the sum of USD300,000.00 in which the initial complainant became a suspect at the end of the investigation.
DCP Akinbayo Olasoji in his quest to always make a difference wherever he finds himself, has so far laid a good foundation that has changed the face of Area ‘B’ Command Headquarters Apapa with some laudable projects and breakthrough in the reduction of crime within Apapa axis and Lagos in general.
Giant stride between May 2020 to July, 2021:
*Total of five suspects were arrested for the offence of impersonation by the military which were handed over to the Police and have been charged to court for prosecution with one conviction already.
*Four (4) cases of tempering with goods on transit have been charged to court for prosecution
*Sometimes in the month of July, 2020, Azeez Salima ‘m’ and Azeez Shakinu ‘m’ receivers of stolen items such as phones and laptop were arrested by the anti-robbery team of Area ‘B’ Apapa, total of Forty-five (45) phones and laptops (exhibits) were recover and handed over to SARS Ikeja for further investigation.
*In the month of August, 2020, notorious armed robbery suspects namely Akpan John ‘m’ and Abati Babalola ‘m’ were arrested by the Anti Robbery Team Area ‘B’ Apapa. Both were arrested during robbery at Alafia Orile lganmu. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one (1) no. of S.M.G. rile and one locally fabricated single barrel pistol, 24 No. of live ammunitions and 16 inches’ cartridges and a Toyota Sienna space wagon.
*The detective team recovered one stolen Truck at Moniya Oyo State in a case of conspiracy and stealing. The team also recovered a stolen truck and container at Ogere Ogun State, which the case was later transferred to FCIID Alagbon, Ikoyi Lagos.
*The arrest of 9 armed robbery suspects implicated in the June 20, 2021 armed robbery incident at P4, Barbing Salon Lagos Island, trending on social Media. Area ‘B’ Command Arrested the Suspects in their hide-out and recovered 1 (one)of their operational Pistol and 2 (two) Motor Cycles, While One Quam Taofeek ‘m’ confessed to the Crime.
Monetary Recoveries:
*Twenty million naira (N20,000,000.00) was recovered in a complaint of one Chinese complainant, Chen Hong ‘f’ in a case of obtaining by false pretences in July, 2021.
*Twenty million naira (N20,000,000.00) was recovered in a complainant of Obtaining money by false Pretence reported by one Rilwan Yekini ‘m’ between the months of June and July, 2021.
*Three million naira (N3,000,000.00) was recovered in a case of Obtaining by False Pretences in a complaint of one Nkem Njoku ‘m’ in April, 2021
*Six million five hundred thousand naira (N6,500,000.00) was recovered in a case of Obtaining by False Pretences reported by one Bukola Olawuye ‘m’ in March 2021
*One million four hundred thousand naira (N1,400,000.00) was recovered in a case of Obtaining by False Pretence reported by one Alabi Omotayo ‘m’ on 22/7/2021.
*Nine hundred thousand naira (N900,000.00) – recovered in a case of Atm Fraudulent withdrawals reported by one Okeke Tochi ‘m’ in February 2021.
*The total sum of monetary exhibits recovered for cases of obtaining by false pretences and ATM fraud is Fifty Million Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N50,400,000.00k).
*The efforts of Area ‘B’ Command is to re-assure members of the community of their safety so they can sleep with their Two eyes closed.
*The indicators and information from members of the Community shows a feedback of gratitude and appreciation of The Lagos State Police Command, Zone 2 Command Lagos, especially, the display of courage by the men of the Area ‘B’ Command.
*The Apapa Traffic gridlock and inconveniences associated with it such as: corrupt practice have reduced to barest minimum especially with the introduction of e-too system for access into the Port.
*Also, DCP Akinbayo Olasoji upgraded Area ‘B’ Command with one storey building comprising of the Area Commander’s Office, Area Commander’s Conference/Meeting Room, Area Commander’s Secretary Office, Visitors Waiting Room and 10 other Offices furnished for Senior Police Officers.
*Throughout his tenure of office, there was a high level of inter-agency synergy and co-operation with sister agencies including the Military. This accounte for the relative peace, the Apapa Community is presently enjoying.