Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun paid tribute to the late Dr. Solomon Arase, calling him one of the Nigeria Police Force’s finest officers whose legacy will live on. Speaking at a Guard of Honour Parade in Abuja on Saturday at the NPF Hangar, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Egbetokun described the event as a solemn farewell to the former police chief, who died on August 31, 2025, at 69.
“This is our last salute to a man who gave his life to public service,” Egbetokun said, noting Arase’s impactful tenure as the 18th indigenous IGP from April 2015 to June 2016, where he pushed for professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law. He also highlighted Arase’s unique record of serving as Principal Staff Officer to three consecutive IGPs, a feat unmatched in the force.
Arase, born in 1956 in Owan West, Edo State, joined the police in 1981 after studying political science at Ahmadu Bello University and later earning law degrees. He served as Police Service Commission chairman from 2023 to 2024 and founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation to support education for underprivileged children, especially those of fallen officers.
On Saturday, Arase’s remains arrived in Benin City on a Nigerian Air Force plane, received by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, and Assistant IGP Salman-Dogo Garba. A Guard of Honour was held at the airport before the body was moved to the Military Hospital Morgue. Audu promised the state would work with Arase’s family to honor his memory, calling him a great Edo son who always addressed people’s concerns. “His loss hurts, but his good life comforts us,” Audu said.
Funeral activities began in Abuja and will conclude with Arase’s burial in Benin City.
