NPF Mourns Passing of Retired DIG Theophillus Adetunji Akeredolu

Abuja, Nigeria
December 21, 2025

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announces with profound sorrow the passing of a distinguished senior retired police officer and elder statesman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Theophillus Adetunji Akeredolu, CON, mni, who passed away on December 9, 2025.

Born on October 25, 1942, the late DIG Akeredolu dedicated several decades of his life to the service of the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. He was enlisted into the Force on September 1, 1969, initially serving as a civilian lecturer at the Police College, Ikeja, before becoming a General Duty Police Officer with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) on August 1, 1973.

An accomplished scholar, DIG Akeredolu attended St. John Primary School, Afao, Ikere-Ekiti; Teacher Training Colleges in Epinmi, Akoko, and Ifako, Lagos; and the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and a Diploma in Education. He also obtained a Diploma in Law from the University of Ilorin and a Diploma in Journalism, among other professional qualifications.

Throughout his distinguished policing career, he held numerous strategic leadership positions, including Officer-in-Charge of Investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Kwara State Command; Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command; Commandant, Detective College, Enugu; Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar; and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of ‘B’ Department (Operations), Force Headquarters, Abuja. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police on January 1, 2001, and served as DIG in charge of ‘B’ Department (Operations) until his retirement on March 14, 2002.
DIG Akeredolu also received extensive local and international professional training, including courses at the Metropolitan Police College, Hendon, London; Middle Management Course at the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London; Intermediate Command Course at the Staff College, Jos; Senior Command Course, Durham, Great Britain; and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.

In recognition of his exemplary service, he was honoured with several medals, including the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Beyond his policing career, he was a respected traditional and religious leader, serving as the Chief Aremo of Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and holding notable positions within the African Church community in Abuja and Ekiti State. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Yemi Akeredolu, and their children.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, associates, and the people of Ekiti State. The Force mourns the loss of a dedicated professional whose legacy of service, leadership, and integrity will continue to inspire generations of police officers.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, ANIPR, MIPRA
Force Public Relations Officer
For: The Inspector-General of Police
Force Headquarters, Abuja