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Tag: Solomon Arase

  • Former IGP Arase a humble servant – Diri

    Former IGP Arase a humble servant – Diri

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late retired Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, as a distinguished officer who exemplified the virtues of humility, compassion and hard work in his service to the country.

    Senator Diri stated this on Friday at the funeral mass in honour of Arase at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin, the Edo State capital.

    Arase, who was appointed IGP by former President Goodluck Jonathan, served between 2015 and 2016 and passed on in August this year at the age of 69.

    Speaking as Chairman of the South South Governors Forum, the Bayelsa governor paid glowing tributes to the late IGP, stating that by dint of hard work and service rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his career.

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    He said: “We have lost a great officer in Arase, who we thought could have been of greater service not only to Edo State but the South South region and indeed to Nigeria after he retired as IGP. We all grieve but at the appointed time, no matter the position we occupy, we will all lie in state like our brother, father and friend here today.

    “For me, moments such as these are humbling. So we should all be humbled and continue to give service to our country and states to the best of our abilities. We will always be remembered by what we have done.

    “Today, we remember Arase and his good deeds in service of his country as a police man from the beginning to the zenith of his profession. His relationship with the rest of society was marked with humility and spreading love wherever he went.”

    In his remarks, son of the deceased, Victor Arase, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa governor and his Edo counterpart as well as all those who identified with the Arase family in its moment of grief.

    Dignitaries in attendance included the Governor of Edo State, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede represented by Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

    Others were Commissioners of Police across the country, DIGs, AIGs and other senior police officers among other top government functionaries.

  • Late Arase interred in Benin

    Late Arase interred in Benin

    A former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has been interred in Benin City.

    Arase was interred at a private ceremony witnessed by family members and close associates.

    He was interred after a funeral mass, held at St. Paul Catholic Church.

    In his homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to work towards making heaven after death.

    Obiyan said people would want to go everywhere on earth, but refused to go to the House of God.

    He expressed disappointment at the attitude of some humans towards donating to the work of God.

    According to him, “Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily, powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

    “We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

    “Sometimes we go everywhere, but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want to come to the House of God.

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    “Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see a soaring crime rate; yet, many police officers are exemplary.

    “We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.”

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the nation.

    “Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him are great and good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spread love everywhere he went.”

    Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah; and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe; Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

  • JUST IN: Former IGP Solomon Arase laid to rest in Benin City

    JUST IN: Former IGP Solomon Arase laid to rest in Benin City

    A former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has been laid to rest in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Arase was buried in a private ceremony attended by family members and close associates, following a funeral mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church.

    Delivering the homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to live in ways that prepare them for eternal life, stressing that “people want to go everywhere on earth but refuse to go to the House of God.”

    He also expressed concern over the reluctance of some individuals to contribute to the work of God, describing it as a reflection of misplaced priorities.

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    According to him, “Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily, powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

    “We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

    “Sometimes we go everywhere, but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want to come to the House of God.

    “Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see a soaring crime rate, yet many police officers are exemplary, hardworking.

    “We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.”

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the Nation.

    “Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him is great and a good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spread love everywhere he went.”

    Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe, Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

  • A Wreath for Solomon Arase

    A Wreath for Solomon Arase

    The columnist mourns the passing of one of the finest human beings ever to don the uniform of the Nigerian Police Force in its uppermost crust. It was a uniform that sat very well on his tall, gangling and deceptively languid frame. Solomon Arase was an intellectual in uniform, a rare distinction in a workforce notorious for the menacing and minatory bearing of its top cadres. Calm, unflappable and superbly cultured, he was an officer and gentleman in the most sublime sense of the phrase. If ever the title, Inspector General was designed for a particular officer, it was for him: combining the native wiles and guile of the guardroom police inspector with the massive intelligence and cerebral armament of a modern military general.

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      Such was Arase’s meticulous brilliance, painstaking attention to details and fair-mindedness that he was in high demand even as he rose through the ranks. His superiors spotted his humility, his sense of loyalty, his professional diligence and capacity to deliver such that they earmarked him for high duty as he slogged his way up. He wore no airs apart from his extant rank and was therefore able to put them at ease. As attested to by one of his former bosses, he was probably the only police officer in recent times who had served as Principal Staff Officer to three consecutive Inspector-Generals before subsequently acceding to the exalted position himself.

      His sense of personal loyalty knew no bounds and did not recognize any professional or political danger lurking in the background. This is how you recognize foul-weather friends, colleagues and subordinates alike. The last time we met was a few years back at the wedding of the daughter of his former boss, Tafa Adeoye, to the son of a friend. He was his smiling, polite and ever courteous self as he rose for a warm embrace. Now, he has gone to meet his maker after meritorious services to country and people. May his soul rest in peace. 

  • Tinubu, governors, IG, others mourn Solomon Arase

    Tinubu, governors, IG, others mourn Solomon Arase

    • Ex-IG died at 69, says son
    • Dignitaries pay condolence visits to Abuja home

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun yesterday mourned the passing of Nigeria’s 18th indigenous IGP, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase.

    The former IGP’s family, through his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., confirmed in a statement that he died early yesterday. 

    He was 69.

    The family said: “…He passed on at 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

    ..“Family seeks the understanding and prayers of friends, associates and well-wishers at this difficult moment, as they make necessary arrangements for his obsequies, which will be announced in due course.”

    In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the Nigeria Police Force, as well as the family, friends, and associates of the late security chief.

    The President described him as a “highly resourceful officer” whose legacy of reforms left an enduring impact on the nation’s policing system.

    “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,” the President noted.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said: “His legacy of service will be remembered for generations. He was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders.

    “While we mourn his passing, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose, impacting positively on all who came in contact with him.”

    Also, in a statement yesterday in Ibadan, Governor Makinde, who is currently on vacation, said: “I have just heard about the death of my big brother, IGP Solomon Arase (retd.).

    Read Also: Makinde mourns late ex-IGP Solomon Arase, describes him as a great loss to Nigeria

    “I condole with his family, the people and government of Edo State, and the Inspector-General of Police, on this great loss.”

    Also, a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), on behalf of IGP Egbetokun, said: “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.

    “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, dignitaries yesterday paid condolence visits to the Maitama, Abuja home of the late IGP.

    They included IGP Egbetokun and rights activist Deji Adeyanju, who described the death of Arase as shocking.

  • Arase’s death a great loss to Nigeria – Minister

    Arase’s death a great loss to Nigeria – Minister

    Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidami on Sunday expressed shock over the death of the former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase. 

    Gaidami, in a letter of condolence, said Arase’s contribution has a great impact in the protection of live and property and cordially worked with the Ministry in the transparent recruitment of 2024 police constable in the country.

    The letter signed by the minister said, “Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidami on behalf of the Police Ecosystem condole with the people and government of Nigeria, especially the Arase families, over the death of the former Inspector General of Police and Police Service Commission (PSC), who died today.

    “The Ministry and the entire stakeholders share in the moment of grief and sorrow with the family, people of Edo state, and the entire country. This is a great loss to the people, Police Ecosystem, and government of Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns former IGP Arase 

    ” It’s important to acknowledge the significance of his contributions and the impact of his passing on the nation.

    “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true leader and a dedicated servant to our nation. His legacy will live on through his tireless efforts and commitment to the people.

    “This is a profound loss for our country. Arase ‘s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the security sector will be remembered.

    “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a statesman who served with honor and integrity. May his spirit of leadership inspire generations to come.

    “In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Arase. His contributions to our nation will not be forgotten”.

  • Dignitaries pay tribute at Arase’s Maitama home in Abuja

    Dignitaries pay tribute at Arase’s Maitama home in Abuja

    Many dignitaries have started signing condolences register at the late home of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase. 

    Human Rights Activist, Deji Adeyanju descibed the dead of Arase as shocking. 

    He said Arase was a dedicated officer who aligned with all despite of the situation. 

    Adeyanju advised serving officers to emulate his legacies in and out of office. 

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns former IGP Arase 

    IGP Kayode Egbetokun and other former IGPs descibed Arase as a commited officer who served with dignity and trust. 

    They all expressed shock and prayed God to rest his soul. 

    Other degnities were not left out in signing the condolence register. 

  • Makinde mourns late ex-IGP Solomon Arase, describes him as a great loss to Nigeria

    Makinde mourns late ex-IGP Solomon Arase, describes him as a great loss to Nigeria

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has condoled with the family of the late retired Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, as well as the government and people of Edo State over Arase’s passing.

    In a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, Makinde described Arase’s death as a huge loss to the nation, noting that he was one of the most resourceful retired police chiefs whose wealth of experience remained invaluable to Nigeria.

    The governor recalled his personal relationship with Arase dating back to his tenure as IGP, adding that Oyo State also benefitted greatly from his counsel and expertise.

    Currently on leave after handing over to the Deputy Governor, now Acting Governor, Makinde prayed for Arase’s eternal rest and for divine protection over his family and loved ones.

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    Makinde said: “I have just heard about the death of my big brother, IGP Solomon Arase (rtd).

    “I condole with his family, the people and government of Edo State and the Inspector-General of Police, on this great loss.

    “Retired IGP Arase’s death will leave a huge vacuum in the security sector, as he was one of the finest police officers in his days of active service and one of the retired Police Chiefs with experience and expertise that could have been useful to Nigeria in years to come.

    “My relationship with him dates back to many years ago and his experience and expertise had proved useful to us in Oyo State at different points.

    “It is my prayer that God grants him a place in paradise and gives his family and friends the fortitude to bear this loss.”

  • JUST IN: Former IGP Solomon Arase dies in Abuja

    JUST IN: Former IGP Solomon Arase dies in Abuja

    Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.

    Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Following his retirement in 2016, he continued to serve the country in various roles, most notably as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a position he assumed in January 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. He was later removed from the role in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

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    A distinguished intelligence officer, Arase once headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the apex intelligence arm of the police. 

    He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and later as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence.

    His career also included international service, notably a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.mission.

    As of press time, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official confirmation of the development.

  • Arase: effective security key to democracy

    Arase: effective security key to democracy

    Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has stressed that a well-functioning security system is crucial for democracy to flourish. 

    He believes that the security element must be effective in order for the country to truly benefit from democratic principles.

    Areas  said this during the launch of his books entitled: ‘Readings on Election Security Management’ and ‘Selected Readings in Internal Security Management’, in Abuja.   He emphasised that the Police and other security agencies must possess mental agility, enabling them to act with a deep understanding of democratic laws, as well as critical thinking and intellectual robustness.

     This, Arase said, is necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the democratic space, identify unique threats that could compromise the process, and avoid law enforcement actions that could undermine the credibility of the process.

     “It also entails that they acquire strong and informed operational capacity that will position the institutions to aid other critical actors towards strengthening our democratic culture,” he said. According to the former Police boss, despite the critical driving role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the quality of the legal framework governing the democratic process and the conducts of political actors, the professional output of the Police and other security agencies within the democratic space remains a fundamental variable in our democratic journey.

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    Areas said that the purpose of his two publications was to address these critical issues by critically interrogating the complex dynamics of democratic security governance in Nigeria.

     He said: “The objects are twofold. First is to open-up the intellectual space in relation to the intellectual, legal and professional inputs into the field of democratic policing.

     “Second is to equip Police, the wider law enforcement community, the political class and other strategic actors in our democratic space with the requisite knowledge that will not only engender quality election security outcome, but act as a framework to hold law enforcement operatives accountable in the discharge of their electoral security mandate.”

    Areas said the books were products of his experience as a former Inspector General of Police as well as that of his legal background.

     “These clearly exposed me to the knowledge gap on election security provision in the terms of research and professional outlook. This realisation was the motivating force in the perfection of this publication,” he said.