...How he Is Rewriting the Story of Law Enforcement in Sango-Otta
CSP Idowu Olatunji, DPO Sango-Otta
By Oladipo Oluwatosin
When a man leads with conscience, character, and the fear of God, even the uniform he wears becomes a ministry. Such is the unfolding story of CSP Idowu Olatunji, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sango-Otta in Ogun State; an officer whose presence is gradually reshaping policing in one of Nigeria’s busiest and most complex urban corridors.
Like the biblical admonition in Proverbs 29:2—“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” the Sango-Otta community is beginning to breathe again, finding new confidence in a police division now helmed by a man whose compass is divinity, not intimidation.
A POLICEMAN WHO FEARS GOD BEFORE FEARING CRIME
In a system where power often intoxicates and authority easily corrupts, CSP Olatunji has chosen a different path; the narrow road of integrity. For him, policing is not merely a profession; it is a calling governed by the fear of God.
“It is the blessing of God that makes rich and adds no sorrow,” he told his officers, echoing Proverbs 10:22. “Therefore, we need to police with the fear of God.”
His words are not idle comments tossed at parade grounds; they are convictions backed by consistent action. Officers under his command testify that he regularly tells them: “Don't be biased; say things the way they are. Never punish the guiltless to extort them.”
In a world where some officers see suspects as ATMs and uniforms as licenses for oppression, Olatunji’s message is a breath of fresh moral air.
Like Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, a scripture the DPO often quotes, “My God shall supply all your needs…”—reminding his men that bribery is not a source of livelihood but a seed of destruction.
FROM THE PRESIDENCY TO SANGO-OTTA: A REWARD OF DILIGENCE
CSP Olatunji’s rise is not by accident. After years of serving with humility, honor, and probity within the corridors of the Presidency, his deployment to Sango-Otta is widely seen as a reward for diligence, discipline, and an unbroken record of integrity.
Like the Yoruba adage says, “Ise ni òògùn ise” (hard work is the cure for poverty) his career journey speaks to what dedication can birth. His colleagues frequently describe him as “one of the finest brains and intelligent minds in the Nigerian Police Force.”
A man of deep Christian conviction, he is a committed and sincere member of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Aseyori; a lover of God whose lifestyle echoes his sermon. His philanthropic spirit is well known, and he has invested heavily in grooming the youth for future sustainability, particularly through active sponsorship in the CAC Youth Fellowship and CACMA.
Community elders affirm without hesitation that “Sango-Otta is blessed to have a faith-based leader piloting the security affairs of the region.”
A HANDS-ON DPO; FROM THE PARADE GROUND TO THE MIDNIGHT WATCH
Since assuming office barely six weeks ago, CSP Olatunji has demonstrated an unusual style of leadership rooted in responsibility, presence, and accountability.
Because he believes a leader is accountable for the actions of his subordinates, he supervises every major operation with rare personal commitment.
In his own words:
“Since I cannot be everywhere at the same time, I constantly meet with sectional heads to remind them of operational standards and ensure they pass the same to their teams. I discourage oppression because God will provide for you; you don’t need to milk the public.”
While many officers retire to their offices early, Olatunji often remains outside the station until 2:00 a.m., monitoring suspects brought in by his men.
For him, the night is no excuse for injustice.
When raiding teams return, he personally interrogates suspects, separating “the grain from the chaff.” Innocent persons are promptly released, while offenders are processed according to the law.
This hands-on method has drastically reduced incidents of wrongful arrests, illegal detentions, and unethical demands.
As the saying goes, “The eye of the master fattens the horse.” His presence alone has restored sanity.
THE MIDWIFE OF JUSTICE: NEVER A MIDWIFE OF EXTORTION
Speaking firmly against the common practice where officers demand money before investigating cases, Olatunji leaves no room for ambiguity:
“It is unethical and unprofessional. That is why you are employed and paid—do it conscientiously and deliver results.”
His approach mirrors Micah 6:8:
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?”
Where others see suspects as opportunities for personal gain, Olatunji sees human beings deserving of justice.
BUILT ON TRUST; A COMMUNITY THAT WALKS WITH ITS DPO
A strong police-community relationship is the backbone of modern crime fighting. CSP Olatunji understands this deeply. His partnership with PCRC, CDAs, youth groups, and local vigilantes has made intelligence-sharing smoother and crime control more proactive.
“In fact, they are indispensable,” he noted.
“They are the eyes of the police.”
Through this relationship, the police division has become less of a fortress and more of a community ally, bridging gaps that have long fueled mistrust between civilians and officers.
A DPO FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
In an era when Nigeria groans under insecurity and distrust in law enforcement, CSP Olatunji stands out like a candle in the dark; quiet yet powerful, soft-spoken yet firm, humble yet authoritative.
His leadership is proof that faith and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.
Like Daniel in Babylon, he is showing that one can be deeply spiritual yet intensely committed to secular duty.
As Sango-Otta residents often say,
“We finally have a DPO who carries the Bible in his heart and the law in his hands.”
A man who polices with integrity.
A leader who corrects with love.
A watchman who stays awake while others sleep.
CONCLUSION: A NEW ERA OF POLICING
CSP Idowu Olatunji is more than a DPO; he is a reformer, a mentor, a community builder, and a believer whose influence is changing the face of policing.
His story reminds us of the scripture in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
In Sango-Otta today, that light is shining; and its brilliance is transforming the security landscape, one act of godly leadership at a time.
