The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 69.
The news of his passing was officially conveyed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, by the late Arase’s first son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had a distinguished academic and professional career. He obtained a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before proceeding to earn a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Dr Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
In April 2015, he was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, a position he held until his retirement on June 21, 2016. He later served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) from January 24, 2023, until June 10, 2024. Arase was also a Fellow of the National Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
During his tenure as IGP, Arase introduced key reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) for swift responses to public complaints and the protection of citizens’ rights. His leadership was widely praised for its professionalism, commitment to national security, and efforts at police reform.
Beyond policing, Arase championed education through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which awarded scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with special attention to children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
In a condolence visit to the family of the late police chief in Abuja, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun described Arase as a reformer, mentor, and patriot whose contributions to national security and the Police Force will never be forgotten. He extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the NPF to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late IGP, praying for comfort and strength during this period of grief.
“The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served,” the Police said in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Arase’s death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected police chiefs.