By Ogidi Chidinma Favour
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN, has expressed grief over the death of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, describing it as a rude shock to the university community and the nation.
Arase, who served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police from April 2015 to June 2016, died on Sunday, 31 August 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 69.
During his tenure, he introduced reforms including the creation of the Police Complaints Resource Unit (CRU), improved forensic capacity, and the restriction of random phone searches by officers. He later chaired the Police Service Commission from 2023 to 2024.
In a statement on behalf of the management and staff, Prof. Omoregie described Arase’s death as “a rude shock” and called him a detribalised Nigerian with exemplary leadership qualities.
Dr. Arase will be deeply missed for his contributions to national development, the statement read.
The Vice-Chancellor extended condolences to the family and prayed for the repose of his soul.