Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF have confirmed the death of former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC died in the early hours of Sunday, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
His death was officially communicated to the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, by his first son, Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West LGA of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before obtaining another Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos, and Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.
During his distinguished policing career, Arase served in several capacities including Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and DIG, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Dr. Arase was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on June 21, 2016. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 10, 2024. He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
As IGP, Dr. Arase introduced key reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit for prompt handling of public complaints and enhanced protection of citizens’ rights. His tenure was marked by professionalism, courage, and reformist zeal, and his contributions to national security continue to resonate across the Force and beyond.
Beyond policing, through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he promoted academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding students, particularly children of deceased police officers and indigent families.
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Police Chief in Abuja, extending heartfelt sympathies on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. He described Arase as a reform-minded leader whose memory will remain indelible in the history of the Force and the country.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
