The Nigeria Police Force has released details of the burial arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase (Rtd), who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.
Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, was widely celebrated for his dedication to duty, commitment to reforms, philanthropy, and exemplary leadership within the Force and beyond.
According to the programme of events, the burial rites will begin in Abuja on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, followed by a Requiem Mass on Thursday, September 25, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
On Saturday, September 27, there will be a lying-in-state at his Abuja residence before the body departs for Benin City, Edo State, where it will be received at the airport.
Activities continue in Sabongida Ora, Edo State, on Monday, September 29, with a procession and candlelight event at the Minister Event Centre. A valedictory session organized by the Edo State Judiciary and Nigerian Bar Association will also hold in Benin City on Tuesday, September 30.
The funeral rites proper will take place in Benin City, beginning with a vigil mass on Thursday, October 2, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road. This will be followed by a family lying-in-state at his private residence.
On Friday, October 3, a funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, with a private interment and a reception at Vivid Aurora Creative Hall. The burial rites will be concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, October 5, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in the announcement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, urged colleagues, friends, associates, and members of the public to participate in the programmes as the Force bids farewell to one of its most distinguished leaders.
Arase, who served as IGP between April 2015 and June 2016, will be remembered as a reformist who placed emphasis on community policing and welfare of officers during his tenure.
