Nigeria, Aug. 31 -- Solomon Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police, has passed away at the age of 69.

It was gathered that Arase died on Sunday at Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja, the nation's capital. A family source confirmed the news to Channels Television on Sunday.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, also verified Arase's passing, indicating that the police authorities would soon release an official statement.

Arase served as Nigeria's 18th Inspector-General of Police and was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) after his tenure. Prior to becoming IGP, he led the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the premier intelligence unit of the Nigerian police.

Born on June 21, 1956...