Tribute to My Mentor, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase: A Pillar of Reform, Integrity in Policing By Jonathan Towuru, DIG (Rtd) mni
By Jonathan Towuru, DIG (Rtd) mni
The passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, former Inspector-General of Police, on August 31, 2025, has left a profound void in Nigeria’s law enforcement and public service community.
He was 69. Arase was not just a police officer; he was a visionary reformer, an intellectual, and a compassionate leader whose life was dedicated to serving his nation.
His departure marks the end of an era for the Nigeria Police Force, which he led with distinction and an unwavering moral compass.
Our paths crossed in 2005 when he served as the PSO to my then-boss, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, IGP (2005-2007), whom I had the pleasure of serving as secretary.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase’s journey was defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
He laid a formidable academic foundation for his career with a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University (1980), a Law degree from the University of Benin, and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
This intellectual depth, rare in the policing establishment of his time, became the hallmark of his leadership, enabling him to approach complex security challenges with a strategic and scholarly mind.
Arase’s 35-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, which he joined in 1981, was a testament to dedication and excellence. He rose steadily through the ranks, garnering critical experience in diverse roles.
Serving as Principal Staff Officer to three different Inspectors-General provided him with an intimate understanding of the force’s intricacies.
His field experience as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, along with his crucial role as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Intelligence, honed his operational expertise.
This well-rounded career path, which also included a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, prepared him for the highest office.
Appointed as the 18th Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, Arase’s tenure, though brief, was remarkably impactful. He initiated groundbreaking reforms that prioritized human rights and modern policing.
He established the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and rebuild public trust. He established the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to address high-profile crimes through intelligent, data-driven methods.
In a move celebrated nationwide, he issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, a significant step in protecting civil liberties and curbing police extortion.
He was a passionate advocate for forensic development, community policing, and, crucially, improved welfare for the rank-and-file officers, understanding that a motivated force was essential for national security.
Upon his retirement in 2016, Arase’s commitment to service never wavered. In a fitting capstone to his career, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023.
In this role, he tirelessly worked to professionalize the force, championing merit-based recruitment and transparency in promotions to ensure the most competent officers led the police.
Although he concluded his service in June 2024, his work with international bodies, such as the European Centre for Electoral Support and the Committee against Torture in Geneva, demonstrated his continued dedication to democratic policing and human rights on the global stage.
Beyond his official titles, Solomon Arase was a man of profound principle and compassion. We in the Police remember him as a detribalized patriot, a humble leader, and a reformer at heart.
His intellectualism was matched by a deep empathy, which found expression in the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF).
Through SEAF, he provided scholarships to outstanding students, with special focus on children of deceased police officers and those from rural communities. This was not mere philanthropy; it was an investment in Nigeria’s future and a reflection of his belief that education is the bedrock of a just society.
Arase’s legacy is enduring. He is widely regarded as one of the most effective and progressive Inspectors-General Nigeria has produced.
The institutional frameworks he established, including the complaints unit, the intelligence apparatus, and his human rights policies, continue to shape policing in Nigeria. He was a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), a testament to his immense contribution to the nation.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life extraordinarily lived. Solomon Arase demonstrated that it was possible to wield power with integrity, to lead with both strength and humility, and to leave an institution in a better state than he found it.
To his family, friends, and the entire law enforcement community, my family and I extend our deepest condolences. May they find solace in his immense legacy and the countless lives he touched.
May his soul find eternal rest, and may his example continue to inspire a generation of public servants to come. Amen.
