The remains of the former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, have been flown to his home in Edo, and were received by the governor of the state, Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, September 27.
Recall that the former police boss died on August 31, 2025, at the Cedercrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
A memorial service was held in honour of Arase in Abuja last week, and his remains were flown to Benin, the Edo state capital, on Saturday, September 27, for the final rites.
His remains were received by Governor Okpebholo, who was represented by his chief of staff, Gani Ahudu. Also receiving his body was the AIG Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba.
Police mount a guard of honour for Arase
Earlier, the police mounted a guard of honour for the late IGP, where the current IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, explained that Arase would not be forgotten because of his distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large.
Egbetokun spoke at the parade ground, which was held at the NPF Hangar of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, shortly before Arase's body was flown to Benin.
The police boss explained that the Guard of Honour was carried out with deep respect, describing it as a solemn duty. He said it was the final farewell to the former IGP
When did Arase retire from the police?
Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in 2016, after reaching the mandatory retirement age. He was appointed IGP by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Legit.ng reports that the late Arase was also a former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). He was appointed PSC chairman in January 2023 by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Arase also served as the 18th IGP after Suleiman Abba was sacked.
Before he was appointed the IGP, Arase was head of the topmost intelligence gathering unit of the Nigerian police, the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau.
Daily Trust quoted a family source as saying that Arase died after a brief illness, a development which triggered tributes from high-profile figures in the country.
Gunmen kill Zamfara worshippers
Legit.ng earlier reported how bandits attacked a mosque in Yandoto village in the Tsafe LGA of Zamfara state.
The Zamfara village was thrown into a wave of shocks in the early hours of Friday, September 26, during the morning prayer.
Eyewitnesses gave vivid descriptions of the invasion by bandits, the number of deaths and injuries.
See pictures from the Guard of Honour here:
#PHOTONEWS | The Nigeria Police Force today mounted a Guard of Honour for late former Inspector-General of Police, Dr Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIArb as the remains of the former IGP depart for Edo State.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) September 27, 2025
At the occasion, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM described… pic.twitter.com/rEdHqccxVQ
See the video of his return here
Body of former IGP Solomon Arase arrives Benin Airport and was received by the Governor of Edo State represented by his Chief of Staff Gani Ahudu along with AIG Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba. pic.twitter.com/b5nk4TP2Ca
— TVC News (@tvcnewsng) September 27, 2025
