Ex-IGP Solomon Arase Dies at 69

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By Odekunle Doyin

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has died at the age of 69.

A statement released on Sunday, August 31, 2025, by his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., confirmed that the retired police chief passed away at about 9 a.m. at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“The Arase family of Benin City, Edo State, hereby announces the passage of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police. He passed on at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at the Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was aged 69,” the statement read in part.

The family described the late Arase as a man who served the nation with distinction. Beyond his role as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, he also chaired the Police Service Commission and was a member of the Body of Benchers.

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

Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed to our correspondent that the police authorities were preparing an official statement on the development.

“We are working on a statement. You will get it shortly,” he said.

Arase, who retired as IGP in 2016, was widely respected as a reform-minded police officer and a strong advocate of professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.