The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death 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.).
Arase, aged 69, died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. His passing was formally communicated to the current Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, by the deceased’s son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.
Distinguished Career and Service
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase built an illustrious academic and professional career. He earned a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, studied Law at the University of Benin, obtained a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and later bagged a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, rising steadily through the ranks. His service included key roles as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs (2002–2008), 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.
Arase was appointed 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.
Legacy of Reform and Education
Widely respected for his commitment to reform, Arase established the Police Complaint Response Unit to strengthen public trust and safeguard citizens’ rights. He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the Body of Benchers.
Beyond policing, he founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships to children of fallen police officers and other underprivileged students.
Tributes
On Sunday, IGP Kayode Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the Arase family in Abuja, describing 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, in a statement, said the memory of Dr. Solomon Arase “will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the nation he served with pride and honour.”
