Ex-IGP Solomon Arase’s Death: Police, Colleagues Pay Tribute

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Arase, aged 69, passed away on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. His passing was officially communicated to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by the late officer’s son, Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the news as a “deep pain” to the institution, noting Arase’s enduring legacy of reforms and dedication to national security.

IGP Egbetokun, who paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, conveyed sympathies on behalf of the entire Force, praising Arase as a professional whose leadership and service left a lasting mark.

“During his tenure as Inspector-General of Police, he introduced initiatives that reshaped the Force, including the Complaint Response Unit to ensure swift attention to public grievances and the protection of citizens’ rights,” the statement noted.

Colleagues and associates also lauded his contributions beyond active service. Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he awarded scholarships to indigent students and children of deceased police officers, a gesture many described as a reflection of his commitment to both education and welfare.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981 and rose to become IGP in April 2015 before retiring in June 2016. He later served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Egbetokun described him as a man of professionalism, bravery, and compassion, whose death is a major loss to the Force and the nation.

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