File Copy: Ex-Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase
Kingsley Abavo, (Managing Editor), Benin
On Sunday, 31 August, 2025 Nigerians were greeted with the news of the passing of the former Inspector – general of the Nigeria Police, Solomon Arase.
The family in a statement signed by the Son, Solomon Arase Jnr. broke the news saying the former IGP died at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness which was not disclosed.
“The Arase family of Benin-City, Edo State, hereby announces the passage of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Former Inspector General of Police.
“He passed on at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, 31st August, 2025, at the Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
“He was aged 69,” the statement read in part.
The family said the departed IGP served the country with distinction at various capacity.
After retirement as the indigenous 18th IGP of the nation, he was again appointed to serve as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and was also a member of the Body of Benchers, it asserts.
“The family seeks the understanding and prayers of friends, associates and well-wishers at this difficult moment, as they make necessary arrangements for his obsequies, which will be announced in due course,” the statement added.
Police mourn, expresses sadness
The Nigeria Police authority has expressed sadness mourning the passing of one of the finest police officers to have served the nation.
The family communicated the news to the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun on Sunday, Force spokesman said in a statement made available to the media, in Abuja.
“The Nigeria Police Force is deeply saddened to announce the passing of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and immediate Past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIA (Rtd.)…
“The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to the incumbent IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase jnr on Sunday.
“The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served,” IGP Egbetokun was quoted to have said during a courtesy visit to the family in Abuja. He was said to have prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace.
Arase’s Profile as released by the Police Authority
“IGP Solomon Arase, born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science. He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.
”During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 – 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively. He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016. He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024. He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
“During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights. IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond. His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour.”
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The statement added that through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
EDSG mourn, describes him as reformer, dedicated officer
Edo State Government on behalf of the people mourn the death of the former IGP, describing him as “a revered son of the soil.
Governor Monday Okpebholo described the late IGP as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, conveyed the message in a statement on Sunday and availed journalists in Benin.
“Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of the people of Edo State, mourns the death of a revered son of the soil, former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away this weekend.
“We have lost a great mind, a dedicated public servant, and an exceptional leader.
“Dr. Arase was a man of integrity and honor who served our nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.”
The Governor noted he had a distinguished career with his tenure marked by significant reforms and commitment to professionalism and community policing.
“His legacy of service will be remembered for generations. He was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders.
“While we mourn his passing, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose, impacting positively on all who came in contact with him.”
The Governor expresses his deepest sympathies to the Arase family and the entire Nigeria Police Force, the statement said.
As he prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul and for the Almighty God to grant his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
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