Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Ehigiator Arase, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. He was 69 years old. The news was confirmed by his family in a statement signed by his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., who called for understanding and prayers during this difficult time as arrangements for his obsequies would be announced.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Solomon Arase embarked on a distinguished career in public service. He earned a Political Science degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980, followed by a Law degree from the University of Benin, and later a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. Arase enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on December 1, 1981, and quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional dedication and expertise.

Rise Through the Police Force

Throughout his police career, Arase held several key appointments, including serving as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Intelligence, and notably, as the head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (FCIID/CIIB), the Force’s top intelligence unit. His international experience included a stint in Namibia as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. He was appointed as the 18th Inspector General of Police in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, serving until his retirement on June 21, 2016, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Reformer and Visionary Leader

As IGP, Solomon Arase was widely celebrated for his reform-driven leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of police personnel. He spearheaded significant initiatives aimed at improving police operations and public trust, including the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to address police misconduct, and the Safer Highway Patrols initiative, which enhanced security for road users nationwide. These reforms underscored his dedication to professionalism and community policing.

Post-Retirement Contributions

Even after his retirement from active police service, Arase remained a prominent figure in Nigeria's security sector. He continued to be actively involved in security reform, focusing on areas such as election security and police neutrality. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024 when he was removed by President Bola Tinubu, who subsequently named Hashimu Argungu as the new PSC chairman. Arase was also a respected member of the Body of Benchers.

Commitment to Social Development

Beyond his contributions to security, Solomon Arase was deeply passionate about education, youth empowerment, and social development. He channeled this passion into the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), through which he promoted academic excellence. In 2025, SEAF awarded scholarships to 29 high-achieving Nigerian students across various disciplines, with a particular focus on children of fallen police officers and youths from underserved communities. The Foundation articulated that this initiative reflected Arase's lifelong values of integrity, service, and excellence, aiming to provide financial aid, nurture future leaders, and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

National Tributes and Legacy

Tributes poured in from across the nation following the announcement of his death. Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described him as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable. Governor Okpebholo hailed Arase as a man of integrity and honor who served the nation with distinction. Similarly, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, expressed devastation, calling it a great loss.