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 Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. His passing 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.” Details of his burial are to be announced later.
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 family in Abuja, conveying condolences on behalf of the force.
Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the late Arase would be remembered for reforms such as the Complaints Response Unit, which strengthened accountability and 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.”
“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,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described Arase as “a patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.”
 “We have lost a great mind, a dedicated public servant, and an exceptional leader. Dr. Arase was a man of integrity and honour who served our nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication,” Okpebholo said, adding that Arase’s legacy of professionalism and community policing “will be remembered for generations.”
Similarly, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed shock at Arase’s passing, describing him as “one of the most resourceful retired IGPs, with experience and expertise that could be useful to the country.”
Makinde said, “I have just heard about the death of my big brother, IGP Solomon Arase (retd.). 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 whose expertise could have been useful to Nigeria in the years to come.”
He added that his relationship with Arase dated back to his time as IGP and that Oyo State under his watch also benefited from the late officer’s advice and expertise.
“It is my prayer that God grants him a place in paradise and gives his family and friends the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West LGA of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University before earning law degrees and a Ph.D. in Public Law. A Fellow of the Defence College and member of the Body of Benchers, he also held international consultancy roles, including with the UN Committee on Prevention of Torture.
Arase was appointed IGP in April 2015 and retired in June 2016. He later chaired the Police Service Commission until 2024.
Across the country, tributes poured in for the late security chief, with leaders praising his integrity, professionalism, and enduring contributions to policing and national security.
