President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and several state governors on Sunday led tributes as former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, passed away in Abuja at the age of 69.
Arase died in the early hours of the morning at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, following a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his first son, Solomon Arase Jnr, who, in a statement on behalf of the family, described him as “a man who served the country with distinction.” Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Arase’s reforms as Inspector-General of Police and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.
“Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including UN Peacekeeping in Namibia, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs, AIG in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau, and DIG at the Force CID. After retirement, he continued to serve in various roles, including as PSC Chairman,” the President said, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited the Arase family in Abuja to personally deliver the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi highlighted Arase’s legacy, including the establishment of the Complaints Response Unit, which improved police accountability and promoted citizens’ rights.
He quoted Egbetokun as acknowledging “the deep pain of this loss and prays 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.”
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