A former member of the House of Representatives and Federal Commissioner with the Code of Conduct Bureau , Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, on Thursday stated that former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, did not die of food poisoning, contrary to reports making the rounds on social
media,
In a statement made available to news men in Abuja on Thursday, Hon Agbonayinma described the claims as “false, malicious, and completely unfounded,” and urged the public to disregard them.
According to him, “there was no food poisoning. The claim that he reacted to a meal is pure fabrication,”
He also dismissed as mischievous the mention of prominent individuals and families in connection with the circumstances of Arase’s passing, stressing that such stories were the handiwork of “unscrupulous elements trying to distract from the dignified memory of a man who gave so much in service to his country.”
Hon Agbonayinma confirmed that Arase had traveled to Morocco with his wife, family, and friends, but maintained that details of his passing would be communicated officially by the family at the appropriate time.
He appealed to Nigerians to show respect and support to the bereaved family instead of amplifying unverified stories.
According to him, “Dr. Solomon Arase was a patriot, a father, and a statesman who served Nigeria meritoriously. Let us honor him with dignity and respect. He died as a legend and a hero to be remembered,”
He further warned against the dangers of misinformation, noting that fabricated reports of food poisoning were intended to cause “unnecessary panic, confusion, and emotional distress to families, friends, and the public.”
Hon Agbonayinma urged members of the public to verify information from credible and official sources before sharing, so as not to become conduits for fake news.
Dr Arase, who passed away recently, served as the 18th Inspector General of Police and was widely respected for his contributions to law enforcement and national security.
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