Family Confirms Death Of Former IGP, Solomon Arase

…Okpebholo pays tribute to fallen Police Chief

Abuja, Nigeria – The reported death of Nigeria’s former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, in the early hours of Sunday at Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja has been confirmed by his family.

With his exit at 69, Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished police officers.

His death was confirmed in Benin City by the Arase family in a statement by his son, Osabuohien Solomon Arase Jr.

The statement, entitled: “Notification of the passing of Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, NPM, FDC, Former Inspector General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria,” indicated that “He passed on about 9 a.m. on Sunday 31st August, 2025, at the Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, in a brief illness. He was aged 69.

“The family seeks the understanding and prayers of friends, associates, and well-wishers at this difficult moment, as they make necessary arrangements for his obsequious which will be announced in due course.”

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had a remarkable career in the Nigeria Police Force, rising to become the 18th Inspector-General of Police before his retirement in 2016.

During his service, he held several strategic positions, including Head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence.

He also served as a fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and participated in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.

After retirement, Arase continued to serve the nation in various capacities.

He was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, a position he held until June 2024.

He also worked as a security consultant with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, and was a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.

In October 2022, he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by then President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his meritorious service.

His death has thrown the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in for a man widely respected for his dedication to professionalism, reform, and national security.

Reacting to the death, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo described Arase as a distinguished son of Edo, and a patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of service, professionalism, and dedication to national security will be remembered for generations.

He paid glowing tribute to Arase who served as Nigeria’s 18th I-G, saying that he was widely respected for his reforms in community policing and criminal justice administration.

Okpebholo’s condolence was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, to on Sunday in Benin City

The governor described late Arase as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.

He noted that late Arase was a man of integrity and honour who served the nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.

The governor highlighted Arase’s distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly his tenure as the 18th I-G, which he said was marked by significant reforms and commitment to professionalism and community policing.

He added that Arase’s legacy of service would be remembered for generations, saying he was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders.

Okpebholo prayed for the peaceful repose of Arase’s soul and for the Almighty God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He expressed solace that the late police boss lived a purposeful life and impacted positively on everyone who met him.

Okpebholo noted that Arase’s achievements would continue to inspire generations of young police officers and leaders, describing him as a beacon of hope and a source of pride to Edo State.

Arase, who held a doctorate in Law and authored several works on policing and national security, was also a fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and a member of the Body of Benchers.