Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday led tributes to his predecessor, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died in Abuja at the age of 69 after a brief illness.

Arase, who served as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police between April 2015 and June 2016, passed away in the early hours of Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, the police confirmed in a statement. His eldest son formally conveyed the news to Egbetokun.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West, Edo State, Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981. He rose through the ranks to hold key positions including Principal Staff Officer to three police chiefs, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, head of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department.

He was appointed Inspector-General in April 2015 and retired the following year. In January 2023, he became chairman of the Police Service Commission, serving until June 2024. A lawyer and academic, Arase held degrees in political science and law, as well as a doctorate in public law. He was also a fellow of the National Defence College and a member of the Body of Benchers.

Egbetokun, who paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, praised Arase’s contributions to national security and police reform. “The memory of IGP Arase will remain forever etched in the hearts of the Force and the country he served with pride and honour,” the police statement quoted him as saying.

During his tenure, Arase established the Complaint Response Unit to handle public grievances and promoted human rights protection. Through his foundation, he awarded scholarships to children of deceased police officers and underprivileged students.