The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has described Solomon Arase, the ex-Inspector General of Police (IGP) who passed on Sunday, 31 August 2025, as an ‘exceptional and exemplary cop’ while expressing deep shock over his sudden demise.
In a Statement signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC’s Executive Director, the group said the former IGP, who is also the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, operated in a system where the police institution was associated with impunity, corruption, and brutality, but stood out as a shining example of what policing in a democracy should be.
Dr. Arase was 69 years old.
According to Nwanguma, Nigeria had lost one of its finest Police officers who demonstrated through his action that the police could be a force for good, noting that Arase’s death was a loss to the police institution, human rights, and to all who believe in reform and accountability
The Rights Group said that, as IGP Arase prioritised intelligence-driven policing over brute force, emphasised smarter and evidence-based strategies in crime prevention and control.
“IGP was an exceptional and exemplary cop, a reformer, and a rare breed of officer who made a significant difference.
“He believed that policing should be about service, trust, and legitimacy, not intimidation. He demonstrated an uncommon commitment to police accountability and reform.
“His tenure reflected a clear focus on institutional improvements that went beyond personalities and were aimed at laying a foundation for lasting change.
“He understood the critical importance of community partnership, consistently advocating for trust-building between the police and citizens,” it said.
RULAAC said Arase set himself apart through his respect for human rights and proved that a police officer, even at the highest level, could serve with dignity and empathy without sacrificing discipline and professionalism.
The group stated that unlike other former IGPs who perceived rights groups as adversaries, Arase welcomed constructive dialogue and collaboration as a true partner in the quest for a better police force.
“As a civil society organisation working on police reform and accountability, we particularly recall with admiration how open and receptive Arase was to civil society engagement.
“At a time when recruitment was deeply compromised by corruption, nepotism, and political interference, Arase insisted on a transparent and merit-driven process. He stood firm and restored credibility to recruitment.
“RULAAC commiserates with his family, colleagues, and the entire nation.
“We urge the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to honor his legacy by sustaining and deepening the reforms and values he stood for.”
Arase will be remembered for being honest in a corrupt system and showing that real change is possible in policing.