Waheed Ayilara, the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, has died. Ayilara passed away early this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos. His death has left his colleagues, friends, and family in deep shock, especially as he appeared to be in good health just days before his passing.
Ayilara, who had previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Yaba, Lagos, had traveled to Lagos to attend two important social events: the wedding of his superior officer’s son and the retirement and birthday celebration of another senior police colleague.
Eyewitnesses and attendees reported that Ayilara was in high spirits during both events, interacting, laughing, and joking with everyone around him. There were no visible signs that he was ill.
According to those close to the late Commissioner, he went to LASUTH on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, for a surgical procedure. However, the surgery took a tragic turn, and he died the following morning. The news of his sudden death has deeply affected his colleagues.
One of them told VANGUARD, “We were together at the party, and he was his usual self, laughing and joking. We can’t believe he’s gone.”
Ayilara was widely respected as a compassionate and dedicated officer. Many of his colleagues described him as a mentor and true leader within the police force. “He was a true leader and a mentor to many of us,” said a unit head at the State CID in Yaba.
