Former deputy Inspector Akeredolu is dead

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the passing of former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Theophilus Adetunji Akeredolu.

Akeredolu died on December 9, 2025 at age 83years

Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday.

“The Nigeria Police Force announces with deep sorrow the passing of a distinguished senior retired police officer and elder statesman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Theophillus Adetunji Akeredolu, who passed to glory on 9th December, 2025,” the statement read.

The late DIG, born on October 25, 1942, joined the Nigeria Police Force on September 1, 1969, first working as a civilian lecturer at the Police College in Ikeja.

He became a General Duty Police Officer on August 1, 1973, starting as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The statement said Akeredolu attended St. John Primary School in Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and Teacher Training Colleges in Epinmi, Akoko, and Ifako, Lagos.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and a Diploma in Education from the University of Lagos, a Diploma in Law from the University of Ilorin, and a Diploma in Journalism, along with other professional qualifications.

During his career, Akeredolu held important roles such as Officer-in-Charge of Investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department in Kwara State, Commissioner of Police in Benue State, and Commandant of the Detective College in Enugu.

He also served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 6 in Calabar, and later oversaw the ‘B’ Department (Operations) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

He was promoted to Deputy Inspector-General of Police on January 1, 2001, and led Operations until he retired on March 14, 2002.

The late DIG received extensive training both in Nigeria and abroad, attending programs at the Metropolitan Police College in Hendon, London, the Royal Institute of Public Administration in London, the Staff College in Jos, Durham in Great Britain, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos.

In recognition of his service, he received several awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Outside of policing, he was a respected traditional and religious leader. He served as the Chief Aremo of Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and held important titles in the African Church community in Abuja and Ekiti State.

Akeredolu is survived by his wife, Mrs. Yemi Akeredolu, and their children.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, speaking for all officers and staff of the Nigeria Police Force, offered condolences to the family, associates, and people of Ekiti State.

“The Force mourns the loss of a dedicated professional whose legacy of service, leadership, and integrity will remain a source of inspiration to generations of police officers,” the statement added.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”