The Nigeria Police Force has announced the passing of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIA (Rtd.), who died in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the sad news was officially conveyed to the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, by the late IGP’s 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 career marked by excellence in service and contributions to national security. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later obtained degrees in Law from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, as well as a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, Arase served in several key positions, including Principal Staff Officer to three successive 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, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, serving until his retirement in June 2016. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until June 2024. A Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the Body of Benchers, Arase was also renowned for his academic pursuits and philanthropy through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which supported indigent students and children of deceased police officers with scholarships.
During his tenure as IGP, Arase introduced key reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to strengthen accountability and safeguard citizens’ rights. His leadership was widely regarded as a model of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.
In a condolence visit to the family in Abuja on Sunday, IGP Egbetokun, on behalf of officers and men of the Force, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Arase as a visionary leader whose contributions to policing and national security will remain indelible. He prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
The Nigeria Police Force noted that the memory of the late IGP will remain etched in the hearts of both the Force and the nation he served with honour and pride.
May his soul rest in peace.
