FORMER INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE SOLOMON ARASE DIES AT 69
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Arase passed away on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 69 years old.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the news was officially communicated to the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, by Arase’s first son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.
Egbetokun has since paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, extending sympathies on behalf of the Force and acknowledging Arase’s “indelible contributions to police reform and national security.”
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a distinguished officer with an illustrious academic background. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and 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, serving as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
He was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, serving until his retirement on June 21, 2016. During his tenure, he introduced key reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, designed to improve accountability and safeguard citizens’ rights.
Beyond his police career, Arase founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, which awarded scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, particularly children of deceased police officers and indigent youths.
Describing his passing as a “deep pain” to the Force, IGP Egbetokun praised Arase’s professionalism, bravery, and leadership, noting that his contributions to policing and national security “will continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”
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