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

Akeredolu d!ed on December 9, 2025.

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

“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.

Born on October 25, 1942, the late DIG devoted several decades of his life to the service of the Nigeria Police Force and the country.

Akeredolu was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on September 1, 1969, where he initially served as a civilian lecturer at the Police College, Ikeja.

He later converted to a General Duty Police Officer on August 1, 1973, with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

According to the statement, Akeredolu attended St. John Primary School, Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, as well as 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, obtained a Diploma in Law from the University of Ilorin, and also held a Diploma in Journalism, among other professional qualifications.

During his policing career, Akeredolu held several key positions, including Officer-in-Charge of Investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department, Kwara State Command; Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command; and Commandant of the Detective College, Enugu.

He also served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, and later as AIG in charge of ‘B’ Department (Operations) at the 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 Operations until his retirement on March 14, 2002.

The late DIG underwent extensive local and international training, including programmes at the Metropolitan Police College, Hendon, London; the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London; the Staff College, Jos; Durham, Great Britain; and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

In recognition of his service, he was honoured with several awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Beyond policing, he was a respected traditional and religious leader, serving as the Chief Aremo of Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and holding notable titles within the African Church community in Abuja and Ekiti State.

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

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, extended condolences to the family, associates and the 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.”