The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has paid a condolence visit to the family of former IGP Solomon Arase, who died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
Expressing condolences on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, Egbetokun extended heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the late IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase, acknowledging the immense loss and praying for comfort and strength during the grieving period.
In a statement made available by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, IGP Egbetokun acknowledges the deep pain of the loss and prays for comfort, strength, and peace for all while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to Police reforms and National Security.
The statement further stated that the news of the passing of former ,Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and immediate Past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr on Sunday.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, IGP Solomon Arase was the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission. He was 69 years old at the time of his death.
IGP Solomon Arase: A legacy of service and reform
During his distinguished career, IGP Solomon Arase served in various capacities, including Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs (2002–2008), Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau. He also served as Deputy Inspector-General at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID.
During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer, PSO, to three IGPs between 2002 – 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau, FIB, and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, respectively. He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016. He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024. He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
Throughout his service, IGP Solomon Arase championed key reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit to ensure swift responses to public complaints and to protect citizens’ rights. His contributions to national security and police reform left an indelible mark, reflecting his dedication to professionalism, bravery, and leadership.
Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, SEAF, he also supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with a special focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
