The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of its former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIA (Rtd.).
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the former police chief passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. The news of his demise was formally conveyed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, by his 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 studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before obtaining a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, Arase rose through the ranks and served in various strategic capacities, including Principal Staff Officer to three successive IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, serving until his retirement on June 21, 2016. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024. He was also a Fellow of the 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 to address public grievances and ensure citizens’ rights were protected. His leadership was marked by professionalism, courage, and commitment to national security and police reform.
Beyond policing, Arase championed education through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships to outstanding students, particularly children of fallen police officers and indigent youths.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who led a condolence visit to the late Arase’s family in Abuja on Sunday, described his passing as a huge loss to the Force and the nation. He extended condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police, while praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
“The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served,” the IGP said.
Arase is remembered as a reformist police chief, an academic, and a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
May his soul rest in peace.
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