By Peace Udugba.
Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has passed away at the age of 69. He died on August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
Arase served as Nigeria’s 18th IGP from April 2015 to June 2016, following his appointment by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. After retiring from the police force, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 by President Muhammadu Buhari. However, his tenure was cut short in June 2024 when President Bola Tinubu removed him from the position.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had a distinguished career in law enforcement. He held various key positions, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. He also led the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit. His international service included a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.
Arase’s death marks the end of a notable era in Nigerian policing, characterized by his commitment to intelligence-led policing and reforms aimed at improving the welfare of police officers and the integrity of the force.
