He left for Morocco in his usual boisterous mien but was brought back in coma.
That was the story of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, a lawyer and the 18th IGP.
According to a report by NewsmakersNG, a general interest online newspaper, published by a renowned crime editor, Dipo Kehinde, the Edo-born top cop travelled to Rabat, Morocco for a wedding last week. He reportedly fell ill after a meal during the ceremony.
He slipped into coma. He was flown back to Abuja in that state on Friday.
Family sources, according to the report, were hopeful of his recovery, when he briefly opened his eyes on Saturday. But 24 hours later, he was gone.
NewsmakersNG published a photograph of the private ceremony showing Arase in high spirits.
In the picture, the former Police boss looked elegantly dressed and laughed heartily with another guest.
According to the report, Arase, who was the immediate past chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), was admitted to Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, where he passed on.
His son, Solomon Arase Jnr., who announced his death, said the former police boss died after a ‘brief illness’’ at 69.
His death sent shock waves around the country, especially in the police, where his imprint remains indelible.
More tributes
Eminent Nigerians, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Anmabra Stgate Governor Peter Obi and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, joined in paying tributes yesterday to Arase.
They also condoled the Nigeria Police Force(NPF), the bereaved family and the government and people of Edo State.
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Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described Arase as a professional who transformed the Nigerian police during his tenure.
The Senate President said: “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.
“Dr Solomon Arase’s death is 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.”
Obi said the late Arase’s contributions to policing and security reforms remain commendable.
Obi said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the former IGP.
He noted that “he(Arase) served our nation with dedication, bringing to his office a sense of duty, discipline, and patriotism.”
The politician and businessman recalled that earlier this year, he spoke with Arase and ‘’in his characteristic manner, he expressed an enduring optimism that our country would rise again.’’
Mustapha described the late ex-IGP as one of the brightest police officers.
Speaking after a condolence visit to Arase’s widow, Agharese, and members of the family, Mustapha recalled how Arase’s name emerged as the choice for PSC boss during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He said: “I remember when President Buhari asked us to produce a Chairman for the Police Service Commission. I was then serving as a Special Adviser and later as Minister of Police Affairs.
“Once Arase’s name came up, we didn’t bother looking for another. All of us were convinced he was the best man for the job—well-suited, well-trained, and deeply knowledgeable about the nuances of the police force.’’
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) described the deceased as “a visionary leader, who brought transformative reforms to the NPF.”
