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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Molly Kilete, Abuja and Tony Osauzo, Benin
President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Force, Governor Monday Okpebholo, former Inspectors General of Police, top police officers, CSOs and others have expressed sadness over the death of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase.
Arase, the18th indigenous IGP and immediate past chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) died yesterday, at an Abuja Hospital after a brief illness at 69
His son, Solomon Arase, Junior, confirmed his father’s death, in a statement entitled: “Notification of the passing of Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, NPM, FDC, Former Inspector General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“He passed on about 9 a.m. on Sunday 31st August, 2025, at the Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, in a brief illness. He was 69.
“After a meritorious service as the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Arase served as chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC).
He was also 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 obsequious which will be announced in due course.”
Dr Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government, Edo State.
He earned a Political Science degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and further degrees in Law from the University of Benin, University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.
Already a condolence register has been opened at his Maitama Abuja residence with sympathisers paying glowing tribute.
President Tinubu, in a statement, hailed his impactful contributions to national security, including the introduction of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols. These reforms, Tinubu noted, brought lasting improvements to the Nigeria Police Force and the country’s overall security landscape.
President Tinubu reflected on Arase’s extensive career from 1981 to 2016, during which he served in leadership roles across tactical, operational, and intelligence units. His contributions as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Assistant Inspector General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department were particularly commended.
Beyond his police career, the President further noted that Arase continued to serve Nigeria in prominent public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and leader of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law Task Force. His expertise also benefited national and international security organizations.
The President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a dedicated security professional whose initiatives and commitment have left a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s security sector.
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IGP Egbetokun, who paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja yesterday, acknowledged the deep pain of his demise and prayed for comfort, strength and peace for all the grief while appreciating his contributions to Police reforms and national security.
He said the memory of the late Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.
Governor Okpebholo described the late Arase as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.
He noted that he was a man of integrity and honour who served the nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.
The governor highlighted Arase’s distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly his tenure as the 18th I-G, which he said was marked by significant reforms and commitment to professionalism and community policing.
He added that Arase’s legacy of service would be remembered for generations, saying he was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders.
Okpebholo prayed for the peaceful repose of Arase’s soul and for the Almighty God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also expressed solace in the fact that Arase lived a life of purpose, impacting positively on all who came into contact with him.
“Arase’s contributions to the Nigeria Police Force and the country’s security architecture will be remembered for a long time, and his legacy would continue to inspire many,” he added.
Since news of the death of the former IGP broke, hundreds of Nigerians from the police, military, academia, civil societies group among other professionals have been trooping into the Maitama residence of Arase, to commiserate with his widow, children and family members.
Among the sympathisers were former IGP, Mike Okiro, Ogbonaya Onovo and Suleiman Abba, who described the late Arase as a thoroughbred professional police officer.
They described his death as a great loss to not just the police force but Nigeria as a whole.
Members of the civil societies groups were also at his residence to pay tribute. One of the leaders, Deji Adeyanju, described the late Arase as a friend of civil society and one who cares about humanity.
He said the masses would miss him dearly and prayed God to comfort his entire family.
