The Nigeria Police Force has announced with deep sorrow the passing of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase, (Rtd.).
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, IGP Arase died in the early hours of Sunday, 31 August 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
His death was officially communicated to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, by his first son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr.
Born on 21 June1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had an illustrious academic and professional career.
Arase earned a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later studied Law at the University of Benin, before obtaining a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, rising through the ranks to become Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, a position he held until his retirement on 21 June 2016.
Throughout his distinguished service, Arase held several key positions, including 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, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
He also served as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008.
In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until June 2024.
As IGP, Arase introduced key reforms such as the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), aimed at protecting citizens’ rights and improving police accountability.
He was widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to police reforms and national security.
Beyond policing, Arase founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships to children of deceased police officers and indigent students, further cementing his legacy of service to humanity.
In his condolence message, IGP Kayode Egbetokun described the late Arase as “a man of honour and integrity who dedicated his life to the service of the Force and the nation.”
He extended heartfelt sympathies to the Arase family, friends, and former colleagues, praying for strength and peace during this difficult time.
“The memory of late IGP Solomon Arase will forever remain etched in the hearts of the Nigeria Police Force and the country he so faithfully served,” the statement concluded.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
