By Obinna Uballa
Tributes have begun to pour in on X following the reported death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, who was said to have passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria.
Although the Nigeria Police Force and his family are yet to officially confirm the news, several prominent Nigerians have expressed shock and sadness over the demise of the respected former police chief.
Human rights lawyer, Abdul Mahmoud (@AbdulMahmud01), described Arase as “a fine police officer,” recalling his first meeting with him in 1990.
“Sad news, indeed. He was a fine police officer. My first encounter with him back in December, 1990 was fiery, even feisty; but memorable. May he now rest peacefully,” he wrote.
Another user, Chief Azuwa (@efewonyi), wrote: “Allegedly, information states that the former IG of Police Solomon Arase is dead. He died in an Abuja hospital. This is a great loss to the whole Edo State.”
Y.O. (@yojora) remembered Arase for his reforms while in office:
“IGP Arase established @PoliceNG_CRU. He was also the IGP who published the signal to ban searching people’s phones. May his soul rest in peace.”
Similarly, Abiodun Durosinmi-Etti (@Durbarman) recounted personal experiences with him, saying:
“Solomon Arase was a good man. Fine officer and a gentleman. Twice I had to contact him for someone’s issue, he was swift to intervene. May your soul rest in peace.”
Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police from April 2015 to June 2016, was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was removed from the position by President Bola Tinubu in June 2024.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase obtained a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980 and joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
During his career, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit, and held positions such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence.
He also served on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Arase retired from the Police Force on June 21, 2016, after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
