By Bavoriat Clara
Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished law enforcement leaders with the passing of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase. He was reported to have died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
As at the time of this report, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force has released an official statement regarding the circumstances of his death.
Arase, who was widely respected for his discipline, integrity, and professionalism, served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police between April 2015 and June 2016.
He was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024 when President Bola Tinubu relieved him of the role.
Before his appointment as IGP, Arase led the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Force’s elite intelligence unit. Over the course of his career, he held several strategic positions, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence.Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase earned a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980 and joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.
He later obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
His contributions extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, having served in Namibia on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
He was also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he played a key role in advancing the professional development of the police force.Arase retired from active service on June 21, 2016, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The passing of the former IGP marks the close of a remarkable career defined by dedication to law enforcement, reform, and public service. Tributes are expected from across the country as Nigerians reflect on his enduring legacy.
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