NIGERIA: Nigeria Police Mourns Former IGP Solomon Arase

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 69.

The news of his passing was confirmed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, by Arase’s first son, Solomon Osabohien Arase Jnr.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had an illustrious academic and professional career.

He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before obtaining a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and later a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in various strategic roles including Principal Staff Officer to three successive IGPs, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and pioneer Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau.

He later became Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Criminal Investigation Department.

In April 2015, he was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, a position he held until his retirement on June 21, 2016.

In January 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he held until June 2024.

During his tenure as IGP, Arase introduced several reform initiatives, most notably the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, designed to ensure swift responses to public complaints and better protection of citizens’ rights.

His commitment to professionalism, police reform, and national security earned him widespread respect within and outside the Force.

Beyond policing, Arase contributed to education through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which awarded scholarships to outstanding students, particularly children of deceased police officers and indigent families.

On Sunday, IGP Egbetokun led a police delegation to the Arase family residence in Abuja to offer condolences.

He described the late police chief as a patriot whose service and legacy will remain etched in the history of Nigerian policing.

“The Nigeria Police Force has lost a distinguished officer, a reformer, and a leader who served with honour and distinction,” Egbetokun said, praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.

The late IGP Arase was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.

He is survived by his family, colleagues, and a nation grateful for his decades of service.