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Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission* By Cletus Agada

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2 years ago

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Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission* By Cletus Agada

*Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission*

By Cletus Agada

 

 

 

The intelligence czar and former Inspector General of Police who brought so much innovation and creativity into policing while he held sway as the nation’s number one Cop has brought his signature of excellence to the administration of the Police Service Commission. Solomon Arase has dedicated his entire career to the advancement of social justice, safety, security and well-being of others as he joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981, a year after he graduated from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His adult life has been lived in service to fatherland and humanity.

 

 

 

 

Like a man who saw tomorrow, Mr Arase spent every of his free and not-so-free time developing himself, acquiring knowledge and skills that would eventually distinguish him from his peers. While combining work with studies, Mr Arase obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s Degree from the University of Lagos. He, by every standard, is a role model for young men and women who desire a successful career in public service.

 

Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission* By Cletus Agada

 

 

Slow but steady, his promotions came and everywhere he found himself, he was always a square peg in a square hole due to his over-preparedness. As Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, he was a super cop remembered for his work ethic, commitment to the welfare of his personnel and crime-bursting intelligence skills. His talent was never hidden. He also served as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to Mr Sunday Ehindero and two others when they occupied the office of the IGP between 2002 and 2008.

 

 

 

It is indeed a record to serve three different IGPs as PSO and Mr Arase achieved this feat without blemish. This probably was the best preparations he got for the office which he later occupied at the pinnacle of his career when he became the 18th indigenous Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force. He had the opportunity to learn from the successes and mistakes of those before him and also had the time to think of what needed to be done to have a better force if given the opportunity.

 

 

 

No wonder, he ringed several positive changes as IGP and greatly improved the image of the Force, most especially in the area of respect for human rights and obedience to the rule of law, two key indicators that the Force had performed below average before his time. He established the IGP Intelligence Response Team (IGP – IRT) that burst several crimes in the country, most notably, the arrest of the notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans.

 

 

 

 

To address the issue of indiscipline and misconduct among men and officers of the Force, he also established the IGP Complaint Response Unit (IGP – CRU). It brought sanity to the force and reduced rights abuse and police brutality to its barest minimum as officers knew the consequences of any of their actions that went contrary to the rules of engagement.

 

 

 

On June 21, 2016, even though not tired, Mr Arase retired from Service after 35 years of meritorious and eventful service by Public Service rules. Like a South American professional football player who would go back to his country to end his career and impact on the younger generation after many years of professional football in Europe, Mr Arase went straight to his home State of Edo to assist the government. He was appointed to chair a task force responsible for the implementation of a State Anti-Community Development Association Law. This is the height of humility as the man who once controlled all the security apparatus of the nation’s Police Force could bend backwards just to give back to his community. He was also consulting for the European Centre for Election Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo and dedicated more time to his work with the Committee on Prevention of Torture, Geneva Switzerland which is currently developing a universal protocol on Investigative Techniques.

 

 

 

 

The golden fish has no hiding place in the river, so they say and on January 24, 2023, former President Mohammadu Buhari recalled Mr Arase from his retirement from public service and appointed him the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
The Commission was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2001 and is saddled with oversight responsibilities and has the power to appoint dismiss, promote and discipline officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

 

 

 

 

A trusted, stable and reliable hand, the appointment of Mr Arase elicited joy in many quarters, most especially among stakeholders in the security sector. His first task in office was to create a harmonious working relationship between the commission and the Police Force. A dispute had broken out between his predecessor and the then IGP over some irreconcilable differences. He promised to build a new police force that’s attractive to the younger generation and wasted no time in putting his hands on the plough.

 

 

 

 

He identified the recruitment process as one of the biggest problems confronting the Force and moved immediately to change the narrative. He engaged the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB to conduct Computer Based Test, CBT for applicants to test their abilities. Mr Arase said the police need “personnel with mental mobility and fertile minds to excel and have a good working relationship with the public”. He said the nation must strive to build a police force that’s technology-driven and knowledge-based as that’s the only way to confront the security challenges facing the country. He insists that under his watch, admission into the Police Academy (POLAC/University) Wudil will be strictly by merit and that slots would not be shared by State Governors and other politicians.

 

 

 

 

A well-exposed former police officer who served on an international Peace-keeping assignment as part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Mission in Namibia and a member of the International Bar Association, Mr Arase is conversant with international best practices as regards modern policing and has shown his readiness and commitment to domesticating those practices here at home.

 

 

 

 

He has promised that as long as he remains chairman of the commission, no single personnel, whether junior or senior who has no disciplinary issues would be allowed to stagnate in a rank. This sounds like great news for me those who have remained on the same rank for almost ten years. With the steps taken so far within a short period, most especially his commitment to the welfare of officers and men of the Force, and the elimination of corruption which has continued to ridicule the relentless efforts of our gallant officers, a new hope is rising and the morale of the personnel is high.

The task of building a civilian-friendly police force that can be trusted by the populace on issues of internal security rests squarely on the shoulders of Mr Arase and his men at the Police Service Commission and with the steps taken so far, Nigerians should expect a 21st century Police Force that enjoys the trust and confidence of all in the not too distant future.

Agada is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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3 days ago

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June 2, 2026

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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6 days ago

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May 30, 2026

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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6 days ago

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May 30, 2026

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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