The Nigeria Police Force has released details of the funeral arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the rites will begin on September 24 with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
A requiem mass is scheduled for September 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, followed by a lying-in-state at his Abuja residence on September 27. The remains of the late IGP will then be conveyed to Benin City, Edo State.
In his hometown, Sabongida Ora, a candlelight procession will be held on September 29.
Other events include a valedictory session organized by the Edo State Judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association at the Edo State High Court, Benin, on October 2, alongside a service of songs at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road.
The funeral mass will take place on October 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, after which interment will be held at his private residence in Benin City.
A reception at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and a thanksgiving mass on October 5 will conclude the programme.
The Force described Arase as “a reformer and philanthropist whose service to the nation remains indelible.”
“The late former Inspector-General was not just a police officer; he was a mentor and a patriot who championed reforms aimed at modernizing the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.
Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, was appointed in April 2015 and retired in June 2016.
He was a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and held a doctorate degree.
He died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
