The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of Solomon Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Arase passed away earlier today at Cedarcrest Hospital in 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 of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr, on Sunday.”
Following the announcement, IGP Egbetokun visited the family in Abuja to personally condole with them, extending sympathies on behalf of the NPF and acknowledging Arase’s lasting impact on police reform and national security.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a distinguished and well-educated officer. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in key positions including 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.
Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and held the position until his retirement on June 21, 2016.
Highlighting his achievements, the NPF statement noted, “During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights.
“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”
The statement further emphasized his philanthropic legacy: “Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.”
Paying tribute, IGP Egbetokun described the loss as a “deep pain” to the Force, praising Arase’s professionalism, courage, and leadership.