Tinubu, Egbetokun mourn former IGP Arase

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu condoled with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over the demise of Solomon Ehigiator Arase (CFR), the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who died on Sunday at 69.

In a press release made available to the public by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the highly resourceful officer. Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) brought lasting changes to the force.

The president acknowledgesdthe dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country, through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.

Reflecting on Arase’s laudable service to the country, President Tinubu remarked, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.

“He was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.

“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.”

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation”.

In another statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, (FPRO), Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi , the former Nigeria Police boss was said to have 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 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 June 21, 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 December 1, 1981.”

“He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016 and was thereafter appointed the chairman Police Service Commission on January 24, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until June 10, 2024.

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

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 of 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.

Also, a two-term former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, has said that the death Arase, was a huge loss to Nigeria.

Oduyoye described the former IGP  as a patriotic Nigerian, an outstanding personality and a gem with an abundant wealth of experience in the security sector.

Noting that his death was shocking and sad, Oduyoye condoled with his immediate family and the people of Edo State.

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