The Solomon Arase legacy is celebrated by the Nigeria Police and Edo State Government with tributes, Guard of Honour, and funeral rites in Benin City.
The Solomon Arase legacy continues to echo across Nigeria as leaders, colleagues, and citizens reflect on the extraordinary life of the late Inspector-General of Police (I-G).
Arase’s service to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the nation left behind an enduring example of professionalism, discipline, and integrity that still inspires conversations about public service and police reforms.
At the Force Hangar, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, led senior officers in a solemn Guard of Honour Parade.
The event was more than ceremonial—it was the last formal salute the Nigeria Police could offer to one of its most respected leaders.
“This is our last salute to a man who devoted his entire life to public service through a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force,” Egbetokun declared.
“The late Dr. Arase was one of the finest officers in our history, and he will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to our nation.”
The Guard of Honour, marked by precision and dignity, reflected the respect and admiration Arase earned throughout his career.
For the Force, it was both a farewell and a moment of reflection on what true leadership means.
Dr. Solomon Arase’s journey to the top of the Police Force was the story of discipline, perseverance, and service.
Appointed in April 2015 as the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, his tenure was shaped by reforms that emphasised professionalism, rule of law, and discipline.
The Solomon Arase legacy is particularly noted for his efforts to restore public confidence in policing.
His leadership was not accidental but the result of decades of consistent performance, integrity, and commitment to duty.
One unique part of Arase’s story stands out: he served as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three consecutive Inspectors-General of Police. This feat remains unmatched in the history of the Force.
Egbetokun highlighted this achievement, noting that while a few officers had served two I-Gs in similar capacity, Arase’s record of three demonstrated extraordinary trust and loyalty. “That record speaks volumes of his competence and integrity,” the I-G said.
This aspect of the Solomon Arase legacy underscores how his career was built on reliability, professionalism, and the confidence of multiple leaders who valued his counsel.
After Abuja, attention shifted to Edo State, where Arase hailed from. His remains were flown into Benin aboard a Nigeria Air Force plane.
Dignitaries and top police officers joined family members to receive him, with another Guard of Honour mounted at the airport.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Gani Audu, led the state delegation. He was joined by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Five, Salman-Dogo Garba, and other senior officials.
From the airport, Arase’s remains were moved to the Military Hospital morgue, where they will remain until his interment.
Governor Okpebholo expressed the grief of Edo people over the loss, describing Arase as a son the state was proud of and a figure Nigeria could not afford to lose.
“Arase was a distinguished police officer and lawyer. Losing him at this time, when the Police Force and the country need his wisdom most, is painful,” the governor said.
He pledged that the Edo State Government would work with the family to immortalize him, noting: “We will ensure the Solomon Arase legacy is preserved for future generations. He was a man who listened, who cared, and who always sought solutions. Edo will never forget him.”
Across Nigeria, tributes poured in not just from leaders but also from colleagues and ordinary citizens who encountered Arase.
He was remembered as approachable, disciplined, and reform-minded. Younger officers he mentored described him as a role model who believed in fairness and the rule of law.
The Solomon Arase legacy is more than his titles—it is the culture of professionalism he fostered, the reforms he introduced, and the values of justice and discipline he promoted within the Police Force. His emphasis on integrity continues to guide discussions on police reform in Nigeria.
Funeral activities began in Abuja and will conclude in Benin City, where Arase will be laid to rest. Though his passing has left a deep void, the Solomon Arase legacy endures.
From his unmatched record as PSO, to his role as the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General, and finally his recognition across the country, his life remains a shining example of leadership through service.
The Nigeria Police Force, the Edo State Government, and indeed the entire nation have lost a statesman.
Yet his memory will continue to inspire generations of police officers and public servants.
The story of Dr. Solomon Arase reminds Nigerians that true service, anchored in humility and integrity, never dies—it becomes a legacy.
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