The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, arrived Benin City on Saturday, where top security officials, Edo State Government representatives, and family members received him in an emotional ceremony.
The body, conveyed by Nigerian Air Force flight NAF 031, touched down at the Benin Airport at 1:25 p.m. It was received by senior police officers, including Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Sulaiman Dogo, and Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika. A delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Gani Audu, represented the state government, joining the widow and relatives of the late police chief.
The Edo State Police Command mounted a short parade in honour of Arase before his remains were conveyed to Ebony Mortuary in Benin.
Speaking with journalists, Audu described Arase as “one of the finest police officers Nigeria ever produced,” stressing that his death was a huge loss to both the country and Edo State. He recalled Arase as a team player, lawyer, and compassionate leader who “listened to everyone and sought to solve problems brought before him.”
Audu, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo, conveyed the government’s condolences and hinted at plans to immortalise the former police chief. “We will work with the family to ensure his name lives on. Edo people loved him and will remember his dedication and selfless service,” he said.
Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector General of Police from 2015 to 2016, was also the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission. Born on June 21, 1956, he hailed from Edo State and was widely respected for his reformist approach and emphasis on intelligence-led policing.
The former police chief died on August 31 in Abuja at the age of 68 after an undisclosed illness. He will be buried on October 3 at his residence in Benin City.
