The Nigeria Police Force has announced the passing of its 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIA (Rtd.), who died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
The news was formally communicated to the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, through the deceased’s son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had an illustrious academic and professional career. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos, and capped it with a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks to serve in various strategic positions, including Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, FCID. He was appointed the 18th Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on June 21, 2016.
In January 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he held until June 2024. A Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the Body of Benchers, Arase was widely respected for his reforms in policing, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit to strengthen public trust and uphold citizens’ rights.
Beyond policing, he promoted education through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which awarded scholarships to children of deceased police officers and other indigent students.
On Sunday, IGP Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the Arase family in Abuja, where he described the late police chief as “a reformer, a patriot, and a leader who left indelible marks on national security and police professionalism.”
The Nigeria Police Force said the memory of late IGP Solomon Arase “will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the nation he served with pride and honour.”
