By Barth Ikiebe
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase (Rtd.), who passed away in Abuja on Sunday after a brief illness.
Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, died in the early hours of August 31, 2025, at a private Hospital in Abuja.
His death was officially communicated to the incumbent 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 an illustrious academic background before joining the Force.
He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin. He went on to earn a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos and capped his academic pursuit with a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Arase was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, beginning a career that spanned over three decades.
He held key positions, including Principal Staff Officer to three different IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and the pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau.
He later served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) before his appointment as the 18th Inspector-General of Police in April 2015.
Arase retired from service on June 21, 2016, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age but was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission on January 24, 2023, by former President Muhammadu Buhari and removed from the office on June 10, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu.
A Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the Body of Benchers, Arase was widely respected as a reform-minded Police officer.
During his tenure as IGP, he introduced key reforms such as the Complaints Response Unit, designed to provide swift responses to public complaints and safeguard citizens’ rights.
He also established a reputation for professionalism, discipline, and innovative policing strategies that continue to shape the Force.
Beyond his policing career, Arase supported academic excellence through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which awarded scholarships to children of deceased police officers and other indigent students.
On Sunday, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Police Chief in Abuja, expressed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun praised Arase’s contributions to national security and Police reforms, describing him as a man who served with honour and left behind a legacy that will remain etched in the history of the Force and the country.
The Nigeria Police Force prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family, colleagues, and loved ones during this period of mourning.
