Former Police IG, Tafa Balogun Is Dead

By Akinwale Kasali

A former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Adebayo Balogun, is dead.

He died in a Lagos hospital after a brief illness.

The late Balogun was the Police boss during former President Olusegun  Obasanjo’s administration before he was unceremoniously removed for embezzlement and diversion of Police funds.

Confirming the passing  of the Osun State born former IGP, sources in the family disclosed that he had been ill for a while before bidding the world farewell on Thursday, August 4, 2022.

The late Balogun became IGP in March 2002  but  was removed from office over allegations of corruption levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under Nuhu Ribadu.

Born on August 8, 1947, at Ila-Orangun in Osun State, Balogun, was the 21st Inspector-General of Police. He was a member of cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Course 3.

Having worked in various Police Commands throughout the federation, and earning his promotions as at when due, Balogun, was at a time, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammadu Gambo, Deputy Commissioner of Police Edo State, the pioneer Commissioner of Police in Delta State. He was also CP in Rivers and Abia States.

The late Balogun was a fellow of the premier highest Military institution in Nigeria, the National War College. He later became the Assistant Inspector General of Police A.I.G Zone One, Kano, from where he was named the 21st IGP of Police on March 6, 2002.

His infamous trial drew global attention in 2005. On April 4, 2005, Tafa Balogun was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for stealing and laundering of over $100 million in his three years as Inspector General of Police from the Police treasury.

The EFCC under Ribadu brought 70 charges against him, covering the period from 2002 to 2004 when he was the IGP. He made a plea bargain with the Court in exchange for returning some of the property and money. He was sentenced to six months in jail.

The Judge, Binta Nyako, said her sentence reflected that Balogun was a first offender and had shown remorse. He was directed by the court to pay N500,000 on each of the eight count charges totaling N4 million.

His trial was full of drama. One of such was when he collapsed on his seat on June 29, 2005, at the Abuja High Court.

The former Police boss, who pleaded guilty to eight of the 56 count-charges directly affecting him, was convicted and sentenced to six months on each of the charges, which however ran concurrently.

He was released on February 9, 2006 after serving his sentence, most part of it at Abuja National Hospital.

Tafa Balogun was loved by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. They hailed him as the best IGP they ever had, and appreciated him for making their welfare a priority.