In this era of police officers allegedly collecting bribe, killing
suspected robbers during cross-fire, reported cases of accident discharges and
officers dead drunk while on duty, ASP Olarotimi says he is a born-again,
spirit-filled police officer
Last week, ourman, EMMANUEL UDOM, cornered the shy looking,
but friendly police officer, where he spoke on his passion for music, his take
on the Nigeria Police Force and other burning issues. Except.
When did your love for music started?
Well. I will say that when I was 18 years old, I used to be in the
choir at Assemblies of God Church, Isale Eko, Lagos Island, way back then.
What was your attraction then?
I cannot say what attracted me to music then and even now.
It has been in my blood from the cradle. I have always been interested in
music. You talk of the lyrics, the beat, etc.
I remember vividly that I used to hang out with the Teen
Television crew on DBN television. Programme, then anchored by Chichi Okaro.
One of the members owned a pair of turntable, a mixer and a
cassette recorder and I remember making tapes for myself. My style attracted a
lot of attention around my neigbhourhood and even outside.
Are you an ordained Bishop?
No I am not. But, like I said, my kind of rap, my style of rap
attracted a lot of people to me, some said I am a pastor , some said I am an
evangelist, others say I am a Bishop. This was how I began to be called a
Bishop.
How was your growing up like?
Well. Like I told you, I was born in downside Falomo police
barrack in Obalende, Lagos. That Falomo neigbourhood was a world with little or
no hope where positive role models were few.
We were hustling to make ends meet. In such a neigbourhood,
hustlers and the wrong cliques were my heroes. But mama positive words offered
me the only way of escape to the real, softer world.
Now to your latest music. What inspired you with the single: When
this life is over?
Yes. When This Life Is Over is basically a song I wrote when
I was depressed. One of my best friends and brother from another mother died in
the line of duty. He was a serving police officer. This was three days to
Christmas on December 22, last year.
He was not just a friend and fellow police officer, but a brother,
so to say. His death shattered me and was actually an eye opener to see the
other side of life. That is, life after dead.
I am a kind of person that does not know how to hide my feelings.
Therefore, the song: When This Life is over is a song I am dedicating to
all serving police officers nationwide, who died in the line of duty.
These officers were killed by dare-devil armed robbers, while
serving their fatherland and it is fair and just that we should appreciate them
for their humanitarian works.
Is this your first song?
No, it is not. I have released two other songs-Goodbye Jesus and
Coming Soon. Let me say here and now that apart from songs, I also write books.
This means, I am an author. I have one book to my credit, entitled: On Holiday
or Holyday.
How does this affect your core duties as a serving police officer
in Lagos?
Well. I am first and foremost a serving police officer. Music is
my talent and I make out time to attend to it. It is about talent, passion,
skill and attractions.
But, this does not affect my duties as a police officer, serving
with the Lagos state command of the Nigeria Police Force.
Beyond music, do you accept bribe, (egunje) in the course of
carrying out your official duties?
I am a born again police officer. I do not accept bribe in
whatever form or guise. I am guided by the Police Act and God in carrying out
my duties, daily.
Though the Bible says, thou shall not kill; police officers may
kill in the course of performing their duties. Have you ever killed suspected
criminals during operations?
The Bible says thou shall not kill. I have not killed anyone
in my life.
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