The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, has died. Ayilara passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja after undergoing prostate cancer surgery.
A family source shared the news, saying, “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.”
Ayilara had attended a social gathering just days before his death, including his boss’s son’s wedding and a senior colleague’s retirement and birthday ceremony.
Colleagues who saw him at these events said he appeared in good spirits and showed no signs of illness.
“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,” one source said. Another colleague recalled, “We were together at the party, and he was his usual self, laughing and joking. We can’t believe he’s gone.”
Ayilara walked into the hospital on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, a day after the party, for surgery but passed away hours later. A top police officer in Akwa Ibom State, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed his death.
Ayilara, who was previously the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba, Lagos, was deployed as the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in February 2024. He had been serving in this position since.
His colleagues described him as a kind and dedicated officer. “He was a true leader and a mentor to many of us,” said one of the unit heads at the State CID in Yaba.
