Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished police chiefs. Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja. He was 69.
Though the cause of death is yet to be confirmed, a close friend who broke the news to The Conclave could hardly hold back tears. As of the time of filing this report, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force had released an official statement.
Arase’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigeria’s security landscape. He served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police before retiring in 2016. In 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until mid-2024.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase’s life was defined by service and scholarship. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, and joined the Nigeria Police Force the following year. Ever committed to knowledge, he later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s from the University of Lagos.
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During his 35-year career, Arase rose through the ranks, holding sensitive positions such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, and head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Police Force’s top intelligence unit.
His dedication also took him beyond Nigeria’s borders. He served in Namibia under a United Nations peacekeeping mission and later became a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
After retirement, Arase remained active in public life. He worked as a legal practitioner, consultant on security matters, and advisor to both local and international organizations. His expertise found recognition with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, among others.
He also played a role in global human rights efforts as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, contributing to the development of a universal protocol on investigative techniques.
In recognition of his service, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022.
Arase will be remembered not only as a police officer who rose to the very top but also as a gentleman of deep intellect, a committed reformer, and a man who sought to combine law enforcement with humanity.
