BREAKING: Former IGP Solomon Arase dies at 69

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has died at the age of 69. He passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness, his family confirmed.

In a statement issued by his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., the family described the late police chief as a man who “served Nigeria with distinction,” adding that details of his burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan and retired in 2016.

He later served in several high-profile positions, including Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he assumed in January 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari, before being removed in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

A distinguished intelligence officer, Arase previously headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the apex intelligence arm of the police, served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and later as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. He also participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.

The late police chief was also a member of the Body of Benchers.

Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police authorities are preparing an official statement on Arase’s passing.