Tag: Arase

The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Dr Solomon Arase, arrived Benin City on Saturday to an emotional reception by top security officials, representatives of the Edo Government and family members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian Air Force flight NAF 031, which conveyed the body touched down at the Benin Airport at 1:25 p.m.

The body was received by senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Sulaiman Dogo, and the Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

They were joined by a delegation of the state government, led by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Gani Audu, alongside the widow and family members of the late police chief.

The police command in the state mounted a short parade in honour of the late IGP before the body was conveyed into Ebony Mortuary in Benin.

Speaking with newsmen, Audu described Arase as “one of the finest police officers Nigeria ever produced”, noting that his death was a huge blow to both the nation and his home state, Edo.

Read Also: Police hold Guard of Honour for late Arase

“Arase was one of the finest police officers we have seen in this part of the country.

“Losing him at this time is very painful to the Nigeria Police Force in particular and the country in general,” Audu said.

He described the late IGP as a team player and compassionate leader.

“He listened to everyone, to every complaint, and tried to solve problems before him.

“He was a gentleman, a lawyer, a professional, and above all, a man passionate about helping others,” he added.

Audu, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo, conveyed the state government’s condolences to the family and hinted at plans to immortalise him .

“We will do our best to work with the family to see how he can be immortalised. Edo people loved him and will remember him for his dedication and selfless service,” he assured.

Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector General of Police between 2015 and 2016, was also the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

He hailed from Edo State and was widely respected for his reformist approach and emphasis on intelligence-led policing.

The erstwhile police chief was born on June 21, 1956 and died on Aug. 31 in Abuja at the aged of 59 after an undisclosed illness.

He will be buried on Oct. 3 at his residence in Benin City.

(NAN)

Inspector-General(I-G) of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, said the late Dr Solomon Arase will be remembered for his distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the nation.

Arase was appointed as 18^th Indigenous   I-G of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in April 2015.

Egbetokun made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja during the Guard of Honour Parade held in honour of the late Arase, at the NPF  Hangar, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He said the Guard of Honour was a solemn duty carried out with deep respect, as a final farewell to the late former police chief.

According to Egbetokun, the parade was not merely a ceremonial event, but the last guard of honour to be mounted by the NPF in tribute to the departed former I-G.

“Our last salute to a man who devoted his entire life to public service through his distinguished career in the NPF.

“The late former I-G was one of the finest officers that had ever served in the Nigerian Police Force.

“He will be remembered for his legacy of distinguished service to the NPF and to our nation Nigeria.

“Today, I do not just mourn the departure of the late former I-G, we celebrate a legacy.

“His life teaches us that every career and tenure will end, but the impact of true service will endure across generations,” he said.

Read Also: A Wreath for Solomon Arase

The I-G said no other police officer had yet, matched the record of serving as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three consecutive I-Gs after the late former I-G.

“Yes, we may have other officers who served as PSO to two or more I-Gs, but to serve three consecutive I-Gs in succession, that record is yet to be matched.

“In April 2015, he was appointed the 18^th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“His journey to that peak was not accidental, it was a culmination of excellent service, dedication, and discipline,” he said.

The I-G said the late I-G’s tenure was marked by profound policy and national reforms in the Nigeria Police Force that emphasised professionalism, discipline and respect for rule of law.

He said Arase’s administration believed that effective policing required not just the strength of arms but also the strength of character and compassion.

Egetokun said Arase’s service to the nation did not end with his career in the NPF, but was again, extended by his appointment as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

He said the late former I-G had also, approached his oversight as the chairman of PSC with the same candour and vision that defined his policing career.

“On behalf of the NPF, I extend our profound heartfelt condolences to members of his family, the PSC, the government and the people Nigeria,” he said.

(NAN)

• Ex-President, former IGP, Benin forum mourn

Former President Goodluck Jonathan,  ex-Inspector General of Police (IGP), Otunba Sunday Gabriel Ehindero, and the Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) have expressed sadness over the death of former IGP Solomon Arase.

They described him as a committed patriot and accomplished law enforcement officer.

In a condolence message to Arase’s family yesterday in Abuja, Dr. Jonathan said Arase served the nation with honour and dignity.

He applauded the late IGP for the reforms and intelligence-led policing he introduced during his time in office.

Jonathan, who appointed Arase as IGP, said he got to know the former police boss as a committed patriot, a distinguished public servant, an accomplished law enforcement officer and a man of great integrity.

“Mr. Arase served our nation with honour, intelligence and quiet dignity. As IGP during my administration, he brought to the Nigeria Police Force not only decades of experience, but also a reform-minded approach and a genuine concern for public safety and human rights,” he said.

READ ALSO: Your governor has your money, ask him for it

The former President further described Arase’s tenure as one marked by a clear commitment to improving police-community relations, intelligence-led policing and internal discipline within the police force.

Ex-IGP Ehindero recalled that the late Arase was so good as a Principal Staff Officer (PSO) that he served three IGPs – Tafa Balogun, himself (Ehindero), and part of Mike Okiro’s tenure.

He said: “I think it is not only expedient but imperative for me to list some of the qualities and achievements Solomon was known for. Some of which are that he towered head and shoulder above his contemporaries; he was a humble and loyal officer, both in service and out of service. He possessed a remarkable power of endurance;

he was an apostle of courage, a man of strong conviction and an emblem of principled action.

“He was an impartial arbiter without prejudice in relation to matters assigned to him; he had a reputation for excellence and fairmindedness.”

Reflecting on the inevitability of death and what memories people would leave behind, Ehindero said: “When we die, what will people say about us? We can say of Solomon that he was a man of candour and

large-heartedness. He was accommodating and acceptable to both his superiors and subordinates.

“He was affectionate and would mentor young officers to grow in the service. He was a kind and generous officer, as epitomised by his establishment of Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation.”

Also, the Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has said the late Arase provided scholarships to indigent students across the country and championed causes that advanced education, security, and social welfare through his Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF).

The forum said Arase would be remembered as a philanthropist who used his influence and professional networks to uplift communities through SEAF.

In a statement by its Vice President, Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the BCF said it has been thrown into mourning.

It described the late Arase as a towering figure in Nigeria’s security architecture and an acknowledged intelligence police officer within the global security network.

“Beyond his public service, he provided scholarships to indigent students across Nigeria and championed causes that advanced education, security, and social welfare.

“Arase’s passion for his people, which inspired the formation of the forum in December 2024 at his Benin City residence, was part of his vision rooted in building an egalitarian society where culture, security, and development go hand in hand.

“The Edo people, the entire nation, and humanity in general are highly appreciative of his humble service, which he rendered with uncommon dedication, grit and compassion,” it said.

The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has paid tribute to the late former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, describing him as a philanthropist who dedicated his life to education, security, and social welfare.

In a statement signed by its Vice President, Hon. Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the Forum said Arase championed these causes through the Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships for indigent students and supported community development.

The group noted that Arase would be remembered not only as a towering figure in Nigeria’s security architecture but also as a respected intelligence officer within the global security network.

Recalling his contributions to police reforms, intelligence, law enforcement, and scholarship, BCF highlighted his membership of the Body of Benchers as proof of his enduring commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law, and service to humanity.

The Forum said it has been thrown into mourning by his passing.

Read Also: Ex-IG Arase flown back from Morocco in coma

“Beyond his public service, he provided scholarships to indigent students across Nigeria and championed causes that advanced education, security, and social welfare.

“Arase’s passion for his people, which inspired the formation of the Forum in December 2024 at his Benin City residence was part of his vision rooted in building an egalitarian society where culture, security, and development go hand in hand.

“The Edo people, the entire nation, and humanity in general are highly appreciative of his humble service which he rendered with uncommon dedication, grit and compassion,” the statement read.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have expressed sadness over the demise of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase.

Akpabio, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described Arase as a rounded professional who transformed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during his tenure.

The NHRC, in a statement also issued on Monday by its Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described the deceased as a visionary leader who brought transformative reforms to the NPF.

The Senate President, who condoled with the late IGP’s family, the entire Nigerian police community and the people and government of Edo State, said Nigeria has missed a gentleman and fine officer.

Part of the statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Dr. Solomon Arase, a gentleman and fine officer, a thorough professional and consummate security expert who, during his tenure, transformed the Nigerian Police.

“I wish to, on behalf of my family and constituents and the entire National Assembly, extend my deep-felt condolences to his immediate family, the Nigerian Police community, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun and the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the good people of the state over this sad occurrence.

Read Also: Arase’s death a great loss to Nigeria – Minister

“Dr. Solomon Arase’s death was too sudden, and he will be sorely missed because of his impactful life on society. I pray that God Almighty will have mercy on his gentle soul and grant him eternal rest”

In his statement, Ojukwu said, “On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Commission, l extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Nigeria Police Force.

“As a visionary leader, Arase brought transformative reforms to the Nigeria Police Force, prioritising citizen-centric policing and human rights protection.

“His establishment of the Complaint Response Unit was a landmark initiative, ensuring swift responses to public complaints and fostering accountability within the police.

“As a human rights-focused Police officer, he set up and encouraged intelligence-led policing.

“By this policy, which aimed at actualising the right to presumption of innocence under the constitution, Solo insisted on intelligence gathering and investigation before arrest and detention of citizens, especially when petitions are written.

“Unlike today, citizens are arrested first, before any investigation starts, completely negating the principles of the constitutional guarantee with impunity.

“Beyond his tenure as IGP, Arase continued to leverage his expertise as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, driving further reforms and modernisation efforts.

“Indeed, his name has become synonymous with modern policing in Nigeria, reflecting his enduring impact on the profession.

“Arase’s legacy extends beyond his official roles. He remains a revered member of the human rights family, whose dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all Nigerians has inspired a generation of human rights defenders and law enforcement officials.

“The NHRC salutes Arase’s remarkable contributions to policing and human rights in Nigeria. His humility, intelligence, focus, and commitment to excellence will be deeply missed.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the memories of his outstanding life and service.”

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has faulted the removal of Solomon Arase as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Arase, a former Inspector General of Police (IG), was removed from office June 10. No reason was given for his removal.

PANDEF, in a statement, berated the action, saying it was done unjustly, and against the laws of the land.

The statement, signed by the group’s National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, reads: “We express profound disappointment, and denounce the unjust manner in which Dr. Solomon Arase, was relieved of his duties as Chairman of the Police Service Commission on June 10.

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“PANDEF views Arase’s removal as unwarranted, and an unnecessary provocation that reflects negatively on the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, indicating a lack of regard for the country’s laws that Mr. President swore to uphold and protect.

“This act further portrays this administration as one that does not prioritise competence, integrity, and efficiency; sacrificing merit on the altar of favoritism. The question arises as to why any serious government would dismiss a personality like Arase, who had initiated positive reforms and improvements at the Commission?

“The pivotal question remains ‘What warranted Solomon Arase’s removal from office? PANDEF urges President Tinubu to tell Nigerians and the world the reasons for Arase’s removal. We stand against injustice, oppression, and likewise, misconduct.”

• PSC to conduct CBTs for constable applicants

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, has said Nigeria needs fertile-minded policemen who are mentally mobile and can relate well with the public.

He said the screening of candidates for the next stage of the ongoing recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) ends today.

Arase spoke yesterday in Abuja when he visited the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, and the management team of the board.

The former Inspector General of Police (IGP) discussed the need for the examination body to conduct the computer-based tests (CBTs) for the Constable applicants.

Arase, who was accompanied by the management team of the commission to the meeting, noted that the NPF he joined 42 years ago was knowledge-based with officers who can relate with the public and engender understanding and confidence. 

The PSC chairman told the JAMB registrar that there was need for a paradigm shift in the recruitment of Nigerian youths into the police force.

According to him, if the commission can get 50 per cent high flyers with the current recruitment, the progression to a better and effective police service would have begun.

Arase noted that mentally mobile policemen would have self-confidence and be capable of discharging their duties creditably. 

The PDC chairman said the JAMB computer-based tests would be done first before the screening so that those with questionable certificates would be weeded out, if they cannot defend the certificates they possess.

He said: “We want to give Nigerians policemen who should be able to hold their own. With constant training, the sky will be their limit.”

A statement by PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said Prof. Oloyede eulogied Arase on his track record of leadership accomplishments, saying he was happy to associate with him.The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, has said Nigeria needs fertile-minded policemen who are mentally mobile and can relate well with the public.

He said the screening of candidates for the next stage of the ongoing recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) ends today.

Arase spoke yesterday in Abuja when he visited the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, and the management team of the board.

The former Inspector General of Police (IGP) discussed the need for the examination body to conduct the computer-based tests (CBTs) for the Constable applicants.

Read Also: Arase to PSC workers: Abide by police recruitment rules or face

Arase, who was accompanied by the management team of the commission to the meeting, noted that the NPF he joined 42 years ago was knowledge-based with officers who can relate with the public and engender understanding and confidence. 

The PSC chairman told the JAMB registrar that there was need for a paradigm shift in the recruitment of Nigerian youths into the police force.

According to him, if the commission can get 50 per cent high flyers with the current recruitment, the progression to a better and effective police service would have begun.

Arase noted that mentally mobile policemen would have self-confidence and be capable of discharging their duties creditably. 

The PDC chairman said the JAMB computer-based tests would be done first before the screening so that those with questionable certificates would be weeded out, if they cannot defend the certificates they possess.

He said: “We want to give Nigerians policemen who should be able to hold their own. With constant training, the sky will be their limit.”

A statement by PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said Prof. Oloyede eulogied Arase on his track record of leadership accomplishments, saying he was happy to associate with him.