How Ex-IG Arase Slipped into Coma after Meal in Morocco, Flown Back to Nigeria

Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has died at the age of 69 after falling into a coma during a trip to Morocco.

According to a report by NewsmakersNG, the Edo-born former police chief had travelled to Rabat last week to attend a wedding. He was said to have fallen ill shortly after a meal at the event and slipped into a coma. He was flown back to Abuja in that state on Friday and admitted to Cedarcrest Hospital, where he passed on Sunday.

Family members confirmed that he briefly opened his eyes on Saturday, giving them hope of recovery, but his condition deteriorated the following day. His son, Solomon Arase Jnr., announced his death, describing it as the result of a brief illness.

Photographs published by NewsmakersNG showed the former Police Service Commission chairman in high spirits at the wedding, elegantly dressed and laughing heartily with another guest, only days before his sudden decline.

His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country, especially within the police community where his contributions as the 18th Inspector-General of Police and later PSC chairman remain significant.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Arase as “a gentleman and fine officer, a thorough professional and consummate security expert” who transformed the Nigerian police during his tenure. He said the late police boss lived an impactful life and would be greatly missed.

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi also expressed sadness, noting that Arase brought duty, discipline and patriotism to his service. Obi recalled a recent conversation in which Arase, in his characteristic optimism, spoke of his hope that Nigeria would rise again.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, after a condolence visit to the widow, Agharese, described Arase as one of the brightest officers of his generation. He recalled how his name quickly emerged as the consensus choice for chairman of the Police Service Commission under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, citing his suitability and deep knowledge of the force.

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), praised Arase as a visionary leader who introduced transformative reforms to the Nigerian Police Force.

Arase, a lawyer and respected police officer, is remembered as a reformist, a patriot, and a man whose optimism and service left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s security sector.