The entire Nigeria Police Force is in deep mourning over the passage of former Inspector General of Police and immediate past chairman of Police Service Commission, Dr Solomon Arase.
Information gathered by Thenewsbearer had it that IGP Arase, who was the 18th to have served in the most exalted position of senior police officers, died at Cedar Krest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday, August 31.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described IGP Arase’s death as saddening, saying that the news of IGP Arase’s passing was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr.
In eulogy for the departed soul, IGP Arase was said to have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.
“His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour,” the FPRO said in the statement.
During his condolence visit to the family of the deceased on Sunday, IGP Egbetokun expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to the family, friends, and former colleagues.
Acknowledging the deep pain of the loss, IGP Egbetokun prayed for comfort, strength and peace for all at this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late police chief to police reforms and national security.
The statement further read: “The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the memory of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, IGP Arase attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science.
He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State.
He was enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and during the course of his illustrious policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities, including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively.
He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on June 21, 2016.
He was appointed as the Chairman Police Service Commission on January 24, 2023 by late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post he held until June 10, 2024.
He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights.
Thenewsbearer also learnt that through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), IGP Arase supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
