Former IGP Solomon Arase Dies at 69, Family Confirms
The family of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has announced his passing at the age of 69.
In a statement released on Sunday, his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., said the ex-police chief died on August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, following 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 Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was aged 69,” the statement read.
The family described him as a patriot who served Nigeria with distinction. After retiring as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission and later became a member of the Body of Benchers.
It added: “The family seeks the understanding and prayers of friends, associates and well-wishers at this difficult moment, as arrangements for his burial will be announced in due course.”
Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, told PUNCH that the Nigeria Police Force would soon issue an official statement. “We are working on a statement. You will get it shortly,” he said.
Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015. Before his elevation, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Force’s top intelligence unit.
