In Memory of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, IGP (rtd.)

By Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP

One year after, remembering a brother, mentor, comrade and compass.

Today, August 31, 2026, marks exactly one year since the passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, IGP (rtd.), one of Nigeria’s most distinguished police officers, lawyers, community leaders and reformers.

Dr. Arase served as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of professionalism, intellectual depth, integrity and commitment to the ideals of justice and human dignity.

He was not merely a police officer who rose to the pinnacle of his profession; he was a thinker and reformer who understood that effective policing must be anchored on intelligence, accountability, respect for the law and the protection of citizens’ rights.

His approach to policing was highly academic and strategic. He championed intelligence-led policing, insisting that the police must investigate and establish facts before taking away a citizen’s liberty. For him, the constitutional presumption of innocence was not a mere phrase in the law but a fundamental principle that must guide police conduct.

Arase was particularly concerned about the practice of arresting citizens simply because petitions had been written against them, with investigation coming afterwards. He believed the proper order should be the reverse: gather intelligence, investigate the allegations and establish sufficient grounds before arrest and detention.

That philosophy reflected his deep commitment to human rights and the rule of law. It was a position that distinguished him as a police officer who understood that the strength of the Police Force should not be measured only by its ability to arrest and detain, but also by its ability to protect the innocent and uphold justice.

His tenure as Inspector-General of Police produced significant reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, a landmark initiative designed to provide citizens with a channel to report misconduct and have their complaints addressed promptly. The initiative strengthened accountability and brought the Police Force closer to the people it was established to serve.

It is therefore not surprising that the National Human Rights Commission described him as “a stalwart champion of human rights.”

Even after leaving the office of Inspector-General, Arase remained committed to the transformation of policing in Nigeria. As Chairman of the Police Service Commission, he continued to advocate reforms, professionalism, modernization and greater accountability within the police institution.

His contribution transcended the offices he occupied. He became associated with the idea that policing in a democratic society must be people-centred, intelligence-driven and firmly rooted in respect for human rights.

But for me, Dr. Solomon Arase was much more than the distinguished police officer, Inspector-General or reformer that history will remember.

He was a friend, a senior brother, a mentor to my children, a trusted confidant, a comrade and, in many ways, a compass.

Our relationship went beyond personal affection. We shared a deep concern for the unity, dignity and progress of the Benin people. We discussed, debated and searched for solutions to what has often appeared to be the elusive challenge of achieving greater unity and collective advancement among the Benins.

In those conversations, I found in him a man who was deeply thoughtful, patriotic and genuinely concerned about the future of his people.

He brought to our discussions the same qualities that defined his professional life: intellect, courage, discipline, fairness and an unwavering commitment to finding practical solutions.

His counsel was often measured, but his convictions were firm. He had the rare ability to disagree without becoming disagreeable, and to challenge ideas without diminishing the person behind them.

For my children, he was more than a respected personality. He was a mentor whose presence and wisdom left an impression. For me, he was a brother whose friendship I valued deeply and whose counsel I will continue to cherish.

One year after his departure, the void remains in our communities

But so does the legacy.

Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase lived a life of service to Nigeria, to the Police Force, to the cause of justice, to humanity and to his people. He inspired law enforcement officers, human rights advocates and a generation of Nigerians who believed that public service could be conducted with dignity, knowledge and integrity.

His death on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69, was a profound loss to Nigeria and, for those of us who knew him personally, an even deeper loss.

Today, I remember not only the Inspector-General of Police.

I remember my brother.

I remember my friend.

I remember my senior brother.

I remember a mentor to my children.

I remember my comrade in the struggle for Benin unity and progress.

And I remember a compass whose wisdom helped illuminate the path whenever the road appeared uncertain to us at the Benin Indigenous People’s Assembly.

One year may have passed, but the memories remain fresh, the lessons endure, and the impact of his life continues to speak.

Rest peacefully, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, IGP (rtd.).

Your service was noble.
Your convictions were strong.
Your friendship was treasured.
Your legacy will endure.

May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace.