Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished law enforcement figures as Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th Inspector-General of Police (IGP), died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Abuja. He was 69 years old.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase’s journey into national service was defined by discipline, scholarship, and commitment. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1980 before joining the Nigeria Police Force in December 1981.
While serving, he furthered his education, earning a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s from the University of Lagos, and eventually a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University. His academic pursuits distinguished him as one of the most intellectually prepared officers of his generation.
Career in the Nigeria Police Force
Arase’s police career spanned more than three decades, during which he held strategic roles:
- Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State
- Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Intelligence
- Head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (CIIB)
- Service in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia
In April 2015, then-President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, a position he held until his retirement in June 2016.
Reforms and Legacy as IGP
Arase’s tenure as IGP was marked by reforms that sought to rebuild public trust in the police and strengthen accountability. Among his initiatives were:
- Establishment of the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), providing a channel for citizens to report misconduct.
- Creation of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), which handled high-profile cases and improved investigative efficiency.
- A landmark directive forbidding police officers from indiscriminately searching citizens’ mobile phones.
He was widely respected for his focus on intelligence-driven policing and his efforts to professionalize the Force.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Even after leaving active service, Arase remained deeply involved in public service and national security reforms.
- He chaired a task force in Edo State that worked on implementing laws against violent community development associations.
- In January 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he served in until June 2024.
- Internationally, he contributed as a consultant to global security organizations and sat on the UN Committee on the Prevention of Torture in Geneva.
Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he awarded scholarships to children of deceased police officers and underprivileged students, leaving a legacy of compassion alongside service.
Death and National Reaction
Arase reportedly died around 9:00 a.m. at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, following a brief illness. His son, Solomon Arase Jr., confirmed the family’s loss.
The news of his death has triggered a wave of tributes across Nigeria:
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised him for his “meritorious service and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security.”
- Current IGP Kayode Egbetokun described his passing as “a sad one,” paying a condolence visit to the family.
- Former IGPs, including Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo, and Suleiman Abba, mourned him as a brother, mentor, and one of the finest officers of the Force.
- Civil society groups like the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) hailed him as “a rare police officer dedicated to reform.”
- Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described his death as a “massive loss” to the nation.
A Life of Service
Arase’s life and career were dedicated to law enforcement, justice, and reform. His intellectual depth, administrative reforms, and humanitarian initiatives ensured he was not only a policeman but also a statesman.
As Nigeria mourns, the legacy of Dr. Solomon Arase serves as a reminder that integrity and service remain the true benchmarks of leadership.
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