The family of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has announced his death.

PUNCH Online confirmed he died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness.

In a statement on Sunday by his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., the family said the former IGP died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after 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 the Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“He was aged 69,” the statement read in part.

The family described him as a man who served the country with distinction, noting that after his retirement as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, he went on to serve as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and 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 obsequies, which will be announced in due course,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, told our correspondent that the police authorities were preparing an official statement on the development.

“We are working on a statement. You will get it shortly,” he said.

Arase, who was appointed IGP in April 2015, had previously headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit. (Sunday PUNCH)

Update news