By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The body of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away earlier this month, has been flown to Benin City, Edo State, where final funeral arrangements are underway.
The remains of the late police chief arrived at the Benin Airport on Friday, accompanied by family members, senior police officers, and a government delegation. His casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was received with full honors before being transported to his hometown for burial preparations.
Mourners gathered at the airport described the moment as deeply emotional. Many recalled Arase not only as a distinguished officer but also as a mentor and reform advocate.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Kokumo, who led the police delegation, said:
“Dr. Arase was a man of courage, discipline, and vision. He believed in community policing and left behind a legacy that will continue to shape the Nigerian Police Force for years to come.”
Born on 21 June 1956 in Edo State, Solomon Arase had a distinguished policing career spanning over three decades. He served in various capacities across the country before being appointed Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
As IGP, he championed reforms aimed at modernizing policing strategies, including the promotion of intelligence-driven operations and the strengthening of community partnerships. He was also instrumental in introducing welfare initiatives for rank-and-file officers.
Following his retirement in 2016, Arase continued to play prominent roles in national security discourse. In 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he worked to enhance professionalism, discipline, and accountability within the Force.
Tributes have continued to pour in from government officials, civil society, and citizens who admired Arase’s contributions to policing and national security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a condolence message, described the late IGP as a “patriotic Nigerian who served with honor and left an indelible mark on national security.”
Similarly, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said:
“Arase was not just an illustrious son of Edo; he was a true Nigerian patriot. His professionalism, intellect, and leadership will be sorely missed.”
Civil society groups also hailed his emphasis on human rights in policing. The CLEEN Foundation noted that Arase “represented a bridge between law enforcement and community trust.”
Family members expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpour of support. His eldest son, Ehigiator Arase, said:
“We are humbled by the love Nigerians have shown our father. He was a family man who always taught us the value of integrity and service.”
In Benin, traditional leaders and community elders prepared to honor him with cultural rites. Locals remember him as an Edo son who never forgot his roots despite his national and international recognition.
The funeral committee announced that a service of songs and wake-keeping will be held in Benin ahead of his burial on Saturday. Dignitaries, including current and former top security chiefs, political leaders, and community members, are expected to attend.
The Nigeria Police Force has also confirmed that officers will give him a full ceremonial burial, in line with the tradition of honoring past IGPs.
Dr. Solomon Arase leaves behind a legacy defined by his commitment to reform, discipline, and service. His tenure is often remembered for efforts to rebuild public trust in the police and his vision of a modern, professional law enforcement institution.
As Nigerians reflect on his contributions, many see his passing as not just the loss of a former IGP but the end of an era of reformist leadership within the police.
