Nigeria Police: How I became born again in the Nigeria Police-Larayetan
By Gbenga Osinaike
Some people can stake their lives to tell you nothing good can come from the Nigeria Police.
Such people may be right because of their experiences with some police officers. It’s even unimaginable for some families to allow their children to join the police force.
But the story of Samuel Larayetan is a different one. Though he served in the Police for 35 years, he left the place with untainted record, making impact and changing the paradigm in his area of influence.
Born to parents who were pastors in The Apostolic Church, Larayetan who retired from the force in 2007 as Chief Superintendent of Police CSP, said the prayers and influence of his parents on his life were very strong
‘That is what gave me an edge. Even before I came to know Jesus there was this grace on my life that made me live a different life. So by the time I encountered Jesus it became an added advantage for me.’
The beauty about his conversion is that he was already in the Police when he gave his life to Jesus. That was in 1981.
‘i came to know Jesus when Pastor Williams Kumuyi came to hold a programme in Kwara state. I was in that programme i surrendered to Jesus. His message made a great impression in my heart. That was when I became born again and began to enjoy the new life in Christ.’
Before then, he was almost following the path of doom and destruction. But an unseen force often restrained him. Coming to know Jesus however helped him to make greater impact in the force.
Nigeria Police not convenient for righteousness
Despite being an outstanding officer, he says there were people in the Police that also inspired him while he was there. He however noted that the police force in Nigeria is not a convenient place for righteous living.
He recalled several experiences while in the force. ‘i was DPO of about four stations when I was in Lagos and I saw despicable things. Usually some DPOs would mandate officers under them to go and raid and bring money.
“But all the stations I got to I would warn them never to try that under me. The first thing I tell them is that I am not interested in such money. And that I am not interested in women. Money and women are the twin problem of the police. But I make them know my stand on those two issues.’
Larayetan however had his fair share of temptations. He recalled that he had the Joseph kind of experience with women. “It was not once and not twice. I almost shipwreck my faith. The temptation from women was so strong. But the Lord saw me through.”
Beyond that there were temptations on the job. He said he was just two weeks old in one of the stations when an officer came to tell him he was going to raid a pure water plant. ‘ I was shocked. I asked him are you NAFDAC official. What is your business with a pure water factory. There was another time those under me arrested a vehicle carrying biscuits and they were alleging that the biscuit had no NAFDAC number. What is there business with such people. So you see police officers getting involved in what they are not supposed to.’
Another despicable thing being done in the Force is that transporters and brothels around where the police station is, usually contribute money to give the DPO every month. He had to announce to those who bring such funds not to bring such to the stations where he headed. That was how he was able to keep his head up while In the Force.
Larayetan told our reporter that it is tougher to handle policemen that criminals noting that many police officers don’t know their priority. ‘the language many officers understand is money. How much accrues to them is the driving force behind what they do.
“There was one police officer that died in a plane crash. It was shocking that 16 women came to the station claiming they have children for the officer. It’s pathetic.’
He said the situation is so bad that some officers take delight in taking advantage of unsuspecting public. ‘there was a day I got to the station and saw a lady standing by the gate. She didn’t know I was the DPO of the station. I asked what she was doing at the gate.
“She told me she wanted to see an officer to help her with a police report that the officer said he would have to sleep with her before she could get the police report. I was shocked..I called the officer and ordered him to produce the report and dispatch the lady. That is the kind of thing we see in the force.’
Larayetan’s experiences over the years have however been deployed to some useful purposes. He runs an outreach for prisoners and helps in rehabilitation of ex-convicts. He has also been able to write about five books where he wrote about issues of the Christian faith.
The latest of such books is titled, “evil In the house of God”. The book is available on Okada and Amazon. The book is aimed at serving as instrument of correction from some of the unwholesome practices prevalent in the church. He notes in the book that Satan has programmed the pursuit of human vanities in the variables that neglect the soul.
He also notes in the book that materialism has driven the global village to the brink of inhumanity. “The most important reason why Jesus came to the world is to deliver humanity from sin. This book is therefore an attempt to point man to God’s expectations.” he said.
He says his experience In the police is mouthful adding that he saw many cases involving church people while in the force.
‘i write based on my experiences. While I was in the Force I saw pastors who have concubines and all kinds of dirty things. This is sad and unfortunate. I believe that by writing about those things we can bring correction to them and keep the public aware. It is not to condemn but to tell us that no matter the rot we find ourselves, we can still turn to God and live for him.’
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