The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has paid glowing tribute to the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, describing him as an institution and a visionary leader whose reforms shaped modern policing in Nigeria.
Speaking at a night of tributes held in Abuja on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, Egbetokun said Arase’s death on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69, was a huge loss not only to his family and the Nigeria Police Force but to the entire nation.
Egbetokun lauded Arase’s intellect, discipline, and humanity, noting that his reforms—such as the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) became cornerstones of professionalism and accountability in the Force.
He said Arase consistently demonstrated a genuine passion to improve policing and left an enduring legacy everywhere he served.
“Dr. Arase was not just a man; he was an institution. His memory will remain permanently etched in the heart of the Nigeria Police Force,” Egbetokun said.
The event, marked by moving speeches and emotional recollections, highlighted Arase’s towering legacy as a reform-driven police chief, scholar, and statesman whose impact resonated across the country.
Among the dignitaries were Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy Dennis Idahosa; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Adams Oshiomhole; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Notably, six retired Inspectors-General of Police—Sunday Gabriel Ehindero, Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo, MD Abubakar, Suleiman Abba, and Alkali Baba Usman—were in attendance.
Other distinguished guests included retired Deputy Inspectors-General of Police Adedayo Shehu Adeoye, Ivy Okoronkwo, Leye Oyebade mni (representing NIPSS), Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, Jonathan Towuru, Mohammed Yesufu (Chairman, Police Veterans Foundation), and Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, who represented the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present were retired AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIGs Tunji Disu and Johnson Adenola, as well as retired Commissioners of Police Lawrence Alobi, Dr. Olayinka Balogun, Emmanuel Ojukwu, Fatai Owoseni, and Abayomi Shogunle.
The legal community was represented by Dr. Muiz Banire for the Body of Benchers, while civil society and human rights groups, including the CLEEN Foundation, the Defence College, Chief Aisha Tosan-Agberebi, and gender activist Professor Enase Okonedo, paid glowing tributes. Former Force PRO Bisi Kolawole, who once served under Arase, was also in attendance.
A major highlight was the series of tributes delivered by the six former IGPs, who spoke of Arase’s enduring commitment to policing, justice, and human rights. His eldest daughter offered a deeply personal remembrance, while his son delivered the Vote of Thanks, bringing the ceremony to a close.
The Day of Tributes not only celebrated the remarkable life of Dr. Solomon Arase but also reinforced his enduring place in history as a bridge-builder between the police institution and the Nigerian society it serves.
