JUST IN: Former IGP, Solomon Arase, is dead

A one-time Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, Dr Solomon Arase, 69, is dead.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the former Nigeria Police boss died in the early hours of Sunday at the Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

The statement explained that the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr, on Sunday.

According to it, IGP Egbetokun, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the late IGP.

It added that IGP Egbetokun acknowledged the deep pain of this loss and prayed for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to police reforms and national security.

According to the statement, “IGP Solomon Arase, born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, 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 PhD in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

“He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.”

It further added that 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 the 21st of June, 2016. He was thereafter appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission on the 24th of January, 2023, by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024.

He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.

According to it, “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 the adequate protection of citizens’ rights.”

It added that IGP Arase 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 for a man who served with pride and honour.

It further added that through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.

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