The death of former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has drawn tributes from across the country. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 69 after a brief illness at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, state governors, and eminent Nigerians paid glowing tributes, describing Arase as one of the most reform-minded leaders the Nigerian Police Force ever produced.
His first son, Solomon Arase Jnr., confirmed the news of his passing, noting that his father “served the country with distinction.”
Who Was Solomon Arase
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase’s academic pursuits reflected his deep interest in law, governance, and justice.
He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, and later obtained a Master’s and Ph.D. in Public Law. He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981 and rose steadily through the ranks. Over his 35-year career, he held several strategic positions, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Principal Staff Officer to three successive IGPs, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General at the Force Criminal Investigation Department. His appointment as IGP in April 2015 marked the culmination of a distinguished career before his retirement in June 2016.
Even after retirement, he continued his service to the nation, most notably as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he pushed for greater accountability and professionalism in the force.
5 Key Achievements of Arase as Inspector-General of Police
1. Institutionalizing the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU)
Under Arase’s leadership, the Police Complaints Response Unit was strengthened as a platform for citizens to report misconduct and rights abuses by officers. This initiative boosted public confidence in the force, promoted transparency, and reinforced accountability in police operations.
2. Promotion of Community Policing
Recognizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, Arase deepened community policing strategies nationwide. He emphasized partnership with traditional rulers, local vigilantes, and civil society organizations to improve intelligence-gathering and build trust in communities.
3. Welfare and Housing for Police Officers
During his tenure, he prioritized the welfare of police personnel by initiating housing schemes and improving conditions of service. His focus on welfare was aimed at boosting morale and reducing the vulnerability of officers to corruption.
4. Enhancing Intelligence-Led Policing
With his background in intelligence, Arase championed intelligence-driven policing over brute force. He modernized the operations of the Force Intelligence Bureau and encouraged data-driven strategies to combat crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism.
5. Improved Human Rights Compliance
Arase was widely respected for promoting human rights standards within the force. Drawing from his legal training and international experience, he emphasized respect for the rule of law, discouraged torture in interrogations, and engaged with human rights organizations to monitor police conduct.
Dr. Solomon Arase’s death marks the close of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s security history. His reforms and leadership ethos continue to influence the Police Force, and he will be remembered as a disciplined officer, a scholar, and a patriot who sought to modernize policing in the country.
President Tinubu summed up the national sentiment in his condolence message: “Arase’s service to the police force and the country brought lasting changes. His passing is not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation.”
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