Waheed Ayilara, the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, has passed away.
“We are very sad to inform you that our friend, brother, and family, the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, is dead,” the family was quoted as saying.
It was gathered that Ayilara died in the early hours of Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Another source also reported that, he underwent prostate cancer surgery on Wednesday before he died hours later.
Late Ayilara, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos, was said to have attended his boss’s son’s wedding and a senior colleague’s retirement and birthday ceremony in Lagos.
The news of his death left many in shock and disbelief, particularly his colleagues who saw him at the social gathering.
According to sources, “CP Ayilara was in high spirits during the celebration, showing no signs of illness. His sudden passing has left many struggling to come to terms with the loss.”
“We were together at the party, and he was his usual self, laughing and joking. We can’t believe he’s gone,” said another colleague.
The sources further disclosed that the late CP walked into the hospital on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, a day after the party, for the surgery. “Unfortunately, he died this morning.”
Ayilara’s colleagues described him as a kind and dedicated officer who will be deeply missed.
“He was a true leader and a mentor to many of us,” said one of the unit heads at the State CID, Yaba.
His passing has led to an outpouring of grief among his family, colleagues, and the Police Service Commission.
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Ayilara, who took over as the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom in February 2024, had a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, serving in various capacities including Assistant Commissioner of Police, Police Mobile Force Office in Abuja, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations in Oyo State. He was well-respected for his leadership and contributions to maintaining law and order in the regions he served.
