Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police and a former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, died on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
He was 69.
The announcement, made by his son Solomon Arase Jr., has triggered an outpouring of tributes across social media and official circles.
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“The Arase family of Benin City, Edo State, hereby announces the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, PhD, CFR, NPM, FDC, former Inspector General of Police,” the family statement read. “He passed away at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.”
A Career Marked by Reform and Public Trust
Current Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited the family in Abuja and described Arase’s death as a “deep pain” to the Nigeria Police Force. In an official statement, the police said “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.”
His 15-month tenure as Inspector-General, from April 2015 to June 2016, is widely considered one of the most transformative periods in the force’s modern history.
He created the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), leading to high-profile arrests, including the capture of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, known as “Evans.” He also established the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), giving citizens a direct channel to report police misconduct, corruption, and extortion. He also issued a 2016 directive banning police officers from searching citizens.
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Social Media Tributes and a Lasting Legacy
The news first spread on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, where Nigerians shared personal stories.
Legal practitioner Abdul Mahmud recalled a “fiery, even feisty” encounter with Arase in December 1990, concluding he “was a fine police officer.” Another user, Jasper Aniet Louis, wrote: “He was one of the brilliant minds in police uniform. Even though the pressure from politicians could sometimes derail most of their genuine efforts, he remains one of the best. May his gentle soul RIP.”
Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, and graduated in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University before earning law degrees from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, plus a PhD in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
