Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, aged 69, has reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja. As of filing this report, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official confirmation of his death.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Solomon Arase—born June 21, 1956, in Owan West, Edo State—had a distinguished career marked by unwavering professionalism, deep academic preparation, and impactful service both locally and globally.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Graduated with a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1980) and enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in December 1981.
Earned a law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s degree in Corporate Management and Finance Law from Lagos State University, and an additional Master’s in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
Recognized for academic excellence, he was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College (fdc) and received the prestigious National Police Medal (NPM). In October 2022, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Police Service Highlights
As head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, he led Nigeria’s top intelligence unit, guiding intelligence-driven policing within the force.
Held key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General overseeing intelligence operations.
Played instrumental roles in the UN peacekeeping mission in Namibia, and served on police reform and investigation committees, including the panel probing the assassination of Attorney-General Bola Ige.
Inspector-General of Police (2015–2016)
Appointed Nigeria’s 18th IGP by President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2015, succeeding Suleiman Abba. During his tenure, he championed human rights, operational efficiency, and the dismantling of corrupt practices—like banning roadblocks in favor of intelligence-led operations. He retired in June 2016.
Post-Retirement: Oversight Leadership
In January 2023, President Buhari appointed Arase as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he focused on restoring cooperation between the PSC and the Police, improving recruitment fairness, and ensuring disciplinary accountability. He was relieved of this role by President Tinubu in June 2024.
Dr Arase embodied the ethos of intelligence, reform, and integrity in Nigerian policing. His tenure as IGP was short but impactful—marked by bold decisions and renewed focus on professionalism. As PSC Chair, he continued his reformist agenda, fostering structural accountability and capacity-building in the police force. His passing—pending official confirmation—marks the conclusion of a remarkable career in law enforcement and public service.