Solomon Ehigiator Arase may be the true definition of the popular saying that “Police Is Your Friend” if only you are a good character police officer, the former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase apparently validated the aforesaid statement to be true when his death was announced on Sunday August 31st 2025, the death sparked uncommon good words of condolences from many Nigerians, unlike before, millions of Nigerians make negative comments against dead top government officials, but in the case of Arase, millions of Nigerians took to their social media pages and comment sections to say good things about the IGP that policed the Nigeria states between April 2015 and June 2016, even human rights activists that always talk negative about the Nigeria Police Force like Barrister Adeyanju Deji, was among the earliest mourners on Sunday to be at the residence of the late IGP to pay a condolence visit with a tribute, saying; “May the soul of former IGP Solomon Arase rest in peace, In my about 20 years of knowing him, he helped us get freedom for many student union leaders and comrades who were unlawfully detained, As IGP and after his retirement, we remained close and continued to seek his help whenever citizens’ rights were abused”, we also observed that many serving and retired police officers like DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi had took to their personal social media accounts to tell the world how good Solomon Ehigiator Arase was, during and after service, this, a Nigerian citizen by name Oluwaseun Odutayo took to the Nigeria Police Force Facebook comment section and said; “Hope the current IGP and all other AIGPs and DIGPs and all Nigeria Police Force officers are online and reading comments?, Hopefully we would get something like this to be written for them too when their own time comes”.

President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga condoled with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over Solomon Ehigiator Arase (CFR), the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who died on Sunday at 69.

“President Tinubu commiserates with the family, friends and associates of the highly resourceful officer. Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.

The President acknowledges the dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country, through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.

Reflecting on Arase’s laudable service to the country, President Tinubu remarks, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.

“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.

“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has opened a Condolence Register at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, “for the revered former Police Chief, as senior officers and staff pay their respects. In honour of his memory, the Police flag will fly at half-mast in all Commands and Formations nationwide”, according to the Nigeria Police authority.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigeria Police Force says it’s “deeply saddened to announce the passing of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and immediate Past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIA (Retired), who died in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase (Junior) on Sunday.
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‎IGP Solomon Arase, born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science. He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.
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‎During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 – 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively.

He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016. He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024. He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.

During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights. IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond. His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour.
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Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students. ‎

‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while paying condolence visit to the family of the deceased IGP in Abuja today, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the late IGP Arase. IGP Kayode Egbetokun acknowledges the deep pain of this loss and prays for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to Police reforms and National Security.
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‎The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served. May his soul rest in perfect peace”, signed, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer ‎For the Inspector-General of Police on ‎31st August, 2025.

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki in a statement on Sunday, said; “I received with shock the news of the passing of our illustrious son, elder statesman, and patriot, Dr. Solomon Arase. His demise is a monumental loss, not only to his immediate family but to Edo State and the entire nation.

Dr. Arase etched his name in history as the first Edo son to ascend to the exalted office of Inspector General of Police. He bore that distinction with uncommon dignity, and in that high office, he served Nigeria with integrity, courage, and exemplary professionalism. His career was a legacy of discipline, excellence, and the highest ideals of public service.

In retirement, he did not retreat from service. With a deep sense of duty to his people, he continued to lend his wisdom and experience. I had the privilege of working closely with him when, as Governor, I appointed him to chair the Edo State Private Property Protection Committee (ESPPPC). In that role, he confronted the decades-long menace of land grabbing with firmness and fairness, restoring order, sanity, and justice to our communities.

Dr. Arase was much more than a public servant; he was a man of deep humanity, humble yet brilliant, firm yet compassionate, a leader whose life reflected his abiding belief in justice and the common good. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt across the nation.

I extend heartfelt condolences to the Arase family, his friends, colleagues, the Nigeria Police Force, and indeed all Nigerians. May the Almighty grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and may his soul find eternal rest”.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno said; “Yesterday, I received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, CFR.

On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Nigeria Police Force, friends, and associates. The late IGP Arase served our nation with distinction as the 18th Inspector General of Police, where he introduced critical reforms in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

He also served Akwa Ibom as Commissioner of Police with passion and contributed to the peace and security we enjoy today. Even in retirement, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, he continued to serve our nation with commitment. May his soul rest in peace”.

Osazuwa Akonedo

Osazuwa Akonedo is a Nigerian media professional, author, and consultant. His work spans various sectors of communication and literature: Journalism and Media: He is the founder of OsazuwaAkonedo, which focuses on news analysis and commentary. He also provides consultancy services in media and banking. Literature: He is a published playwright and author of Nigerian literature. One of his notable works is the drama titled The End Shall Tell: What Exam Malpractice Can Cause, which addresses educational and social issues in Nigeria. Reporting: He frequently reports on regional news, particularly concerning Edo State and broader Nigerian current affairs. Credit: Google Gemini AI Mode Osazuwa Akonedo is a Nigerian media creator, journalist, and entrepreneur who engages audiences via news reporting, social media content, music, and a mobile application. Professional Background and Company Osazuwa Akonedo is associated with OSAZUWAAKONEDO LIMITED, a company registered in Nigeria that operates in media consultancy and news services  The company is headquartered in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and has been active in publishing news in various formats including text, audio, video, and photos  Social Media and Online Platforms Osazuwa Akonedo maintains a strong online presence on several platforms: TikTok: Shares news updates and reports, for example, covering police operations in Nigeria  YouTube: Operates a channel where he uploads videos on current affairs and news content  Twitter/X: Active under the handle @akonedo_osazuwa, posting updates on events and news  Facebook: Profiles listing his connection to news and media activities can be found on Facebook  Mobile App: Offers a dedicated mobile application for news access through Google Play (Osazuwa Akonedo News App) providing text, video, and photo news formats  News Reporting and Content He produces news content covering national and local stories, including criminal activities, government updates, and investigative reports   His reporting spans multiple formats, making it accessible to a wide audience through online platforms, mobile apps, and social media  Other Contributions In addition to journalism, Osazuwa Akonedo has also ventured into audio releases, such as “Former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami Begs Nigerians For Justice” released on January 25, 2026   He also hosts podcasts documenting significant events, e.g, NDLEA arrests related to historical criminal cases  Summary Osazuwa Akonedo is a multifaceted media professional engaged in journalism, social media content creation, music, and technology via his news app. He utilizes platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Twitter/X, Facebook, and mobile applications to disseminate news and reach audiences both locally and internationally Credit: Azure AI

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