Ex-Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun
‘Tafa Balogun had penchant for boosting morale of officers and men’ – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the late former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Tafa Balogun, as a man ‘who did his utmost to ensure that the police performed its statutory responsibilities under a democratic dispensation.’
According to President Buhari, in condolence message to the family of the late police chief who died, Thursday, ‘Balogun’s penchant for boosting the morale of officers and men in the Force has been acknowledged by those who served under him.’
“President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family, friends and associates as he mourns the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mustapha (Tafa) Balogun.
“He also mourns with the Nigeria Police Force, an institution Balogun spent the better part of his life serving.
“The President recalls that Tafa Balogun, during his tenure as IGP, did his utmost to ensure that the police performed its statutory responsibilities under a democratic dispensation; and his penchant for boosting the morale of officers and men in the Force has been acknowledged by those who served under him.
“President Buhari’s thoughts are with the family, the government and people of Osun State, as well as colleagues and former colleagues of the deceased police chief.
“He prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed,” read the statement signed by Buhari’s media aide, Mr Garba Shehu, Friday.
Balogun died, late Thursday, according to family sources who confirmed the development.
Details of his passing were however withheld.
The former IGP rose to fame when he burst a cult ring at the Okija Shrine in Anambra State after a video went viral showing former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji was caught taking oath before the shrine.
Since retirement, Balogun has since been ill and receiving treatment at various hospitals.
On April 4, 2005, 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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought 70 charges against him.
However, the former police chief made a plea bargain with the court in exchange for returning much of the property and money. He was sentenced to six months in jail.
Balogun was born on August 8, 1947, at Ila-Orangun in Osun State and was named the 21st Inspector-General of Police on March 6, 2002.
