The Nigeria Police Force has released the official burial arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.
Arase, the 18th indigenous IGP celebrated for police reforms, philanthropy, and a distinguished career, will be honoured with multiple rites and memorial events.
The schedule begins in Abuja on September 24 with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi. A requiem mass is slated for September 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama.
A lying-in-state is scheduled for September 27 at his residence in Abuja. He will be later transported to Benin City, Edo State, where further events will be held.
In his hometown, Sabongida-Ora, a candlelight procession will take place on September 29.
On October 2, the Edo State judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association will hold a valedictory session at the Edo State High Court, followed by a service of songs at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, and a family-laying-in-state ceremony.
The main funeral mass will be conducted on October 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City, after which he will be interred at his private residence. A reception is to be held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub. A thanksgiving mass is scheduled to conclude all rites on October 5.
Arase held the honours of CFR, held a PhD in Law, and served as IGP from April 2015 until his retirement in June 2016. He died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja following a brief illness.
