SPECIAL REPORT: A CORPSE ON THE HIGHWAY. HOW THE DPO OF SANGO AND THE OGUN STATE POLICE COMMAND DEMONSTRATED RESPONSIVE POLICING
Public safety goes beyond combating armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes. It also encompasses the prompt management of emergencies capable of endangering public health, disrupting public order, undermining human dignity, and eroding confidence in public institutions. One such responsibility is the timely evacuation of deceased persons from public spaces following road traffic crashes or other fatal incidents.
On 11 July 2026, while travelling along the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, I observed what appeared to be the aftermath of a fatal road traffic crash at Ijako-Oja. Adjacent to the market was a corpse. The severity of the injuries suggested a high impact collision. The body remained exposed in a busy commercial environment frequented by traders, commuters and motorists.
Leaving a corpse unattended on a major highway raises several concerns. Apart from the psychological trauma inflicted on members of the public, prolonged exposure of human remains can create secondary road hazards, attract large crowds, interfere with traffic movement, compromise evidence, and diminish public confidence in emergency response institutions. Every unattended fatality scene requires coordinated action involving the police, emergency responders, health authorities, and where necessary, the Coroner.
Recognising the need for immediate intervention, Area Commander of Ifo, Seyi Williams Oluboji on the number provided by the Ogun State Command 0806-427-3032, the number was not reachable. So, I decided to reach out to Ota Area Commander on number 0803-360-8710. The officer answered promptly, received the report professionally, and assured me that appropriate action would be taken.
after I lodge the complaint, I pass through the scene again, and the corpse was still at the scene. After about an hour, I decided to reach out to the state command through the PPRO, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who responded with courtesy, and verify whose Area and Divisional jurisdiction the scene of incident falls within. He promised reach out to the concerned division and get back to me. In less than 4 minutes, this professional officer called back to inform me that he reached out to the DPO of Sango whose jurisdiction covers the area, and confirmed that the corpse was moved not quite long. He then left me with the phone number of the DPO of Sango, CSP Idowu Olatunji (0803 578 1418) to do a follow-up on the case, and for other complaints.
When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer confirmed that officers had been mobilised to the scene and that the body had already been evacuated. He further explained that the deceased’s family had been contacted and that the required legal and administrative procedures relating to the recovery of the body had commenced.
This incident shows that effective policing depends not only on institutional capacity but also on active public participation. Contemporary policing models recognise that citizens constitute one of the most valuable sources of operational information. Timely reports from members of the public frequently enable security agencies to respond more rapidly to emergencies, preserve evidence, reduce secondary risks, and coordinate appropriate interventions.
The incident also illustrates the importance of communication within the policing system. Although the initial report did not immediately reach the police formation with territorial responsibility, internal coordination ensured that the information was transmitted to the appropriate Division without unnecessary delay. Such coordination remains an essential component of effective police administration.
Equally commendable was the professionalism displayed by the officers involved. The courteous manner in which the report was received, the prompt verification of operational jurisdiction, the follow up communication, and the confirmation that action had been taken demonstrate practices capable of strengthening public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The broader lesson extends beyond this single incident. Public safety cannot be achieved through government institutions alone. Citizens who observe emergencies, road hazards, suspicious activities, abandoned vehicles, environmental risks, or criminal behaviour should utilise the official communication channels established by security agencies. Timely reporting often provides the first opportunity for intervention and may prevent further harm.
At the same time, security agencies should continue strengthening public access to emergency communication by ensuring that officially published telephone numbers remain functional, monitored, and responsive. Reliable communication channels encourage greater public participation and strengthen community centred policing.
The experience along the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway demonstrates that a simple telephone call can trigger institutional action when citizens and security agencies work together. Building a safer Nigeria requires more than increased security deployments. It requires a culture in which responsible citizens report public safety concerns, security institutions respond professionally, and both parties recognise that security is a shared responsibility.
Members of the public should therefore make effective use of available complaint and emergency reporting channels whenever they encounter situations requiring official intervention, and where challenges arise in obtaining a response, the Security247 on Radio/TV remain available to amplify legitimate public safety concerns and encourage institutional action in the interest of society.
