The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Dr Solomon Arase, have arrived in Benin City, Edo State, amid an emotional reception from top security officials, government representatives, and family members. A Nigerian Air Force flight, NAF 031, conveying the body, landed at the Benin Airport at 1:25 p.m. on Saturday.
Senior police officers, including Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Sulaiman Dogo, and Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, received the body. They were joined by a state government delegation, led by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Gani Audu, as well as the widow and family members of the late police chief. A short parade was held by the police command in honor of the late IGP before the body was taken to Ebony Mortuary in Benin.
According to Alhaji Audu, Dr Arase was a distinguished police officer whose death is a significant loss to the nation and Edo State. He praised the late IGP’s leadership style, describing him as a team player and compassionate leader who listened to everyone and tried to solve problems. Audu conveyed the state government’s condolences to the family and hinted at plans to immortalize Dr Arase, stating that the state government will work with the family to explore ways to honor his memory.
Dr Arase served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector General of Police from 2015 to 2016 and was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission. He was born on June 21, 1956, and died on August 31 in Abuja at the age of 69 after an undisclosed illness. The former police chief will be buried on October 3 at his residence in Benin City.
The late IGP was widely respected for his reformist approach and emphasis on intelligence-led policing. His death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from various quarters, acknowledging his contributions to the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large. As the nation prepares to bid farewell to Dr Arase, his legacy is expected to continue inspiring future generations of police officers and leaders.
