The Benin Consultative Forum is extremely saddened to announce the unexpected passing of its President. Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, on the 31st of August 2025. He was the 18th Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force and was instrumental to the further modernisation of the Force, implementing innovative policing models with the establishment of a state-of-the-art technical intelligence platform in the process.

Within the fold of the Police Institution, he will also be fondly remembered for his pioneering work as Head, Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the top Intelligence Unit that burst hydra-headed crimes, leveraging forensic and non-kinetic law enforcement strategies. His indelible roles across the spectrum of police reforms, intelligence and law enforcement made him a towering figure within the nation's security architecture and an acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network.

His life of service also included scholarly enterprise as he strove to put his years of experience in the security and civil relations sectors to the benefit of society with his books which bore prescriptions of how to advance Nigeria’s internal security and electoral management.

For us at the BCF, we believe, just as his wider circle of friends do, that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers was a confirmation of his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law, and service to humanity.

Until his passing, Arase was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), who brought innovative ideas into the management of the Police Service.

Our late President, as Uhunosievbokoko, was a lover of people, who prioritised giving back to society, using his God-given position and professional capital to contribute to the quality of life of communities through his security consultancy services, thereby complementing the efforts of the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF) which gave scholarships to so many indigent students in higher institutions across the country, among others.

Living to his billing as a Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), Arase also had a calling to help shape the socio-cultural and economic wellbeing of his people within the context of an egalitarian Nigerian society. It was this love for his people, working in sync with like-minded persons that led to the birth of the Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) which was formally unveiled at his residence in December 2024, in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo people, the entire nation and humanity in general are highly appreciative of his humble service which he rendered with uncommon dedication, grit and compassion.

At this solemn moment, we stand in prayers with his loving wife Mrs. Agharese Arase and their four adorable children.

Adieu Solomon Ehigiator Arase!