The Best Among Us: Police Chiefs Write Arase’s Epitaph

Prominent Nigerians on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to the late 18th Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, describing him as an institution whose life embodied excellence, discipline, and humanity.

At the Day of Tributes held in Abuja, attended by his predecessors, successors, and other dignitaries, the late Arase was hailed by retired IGP Suleiman Abba as “the best among us”.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, lauded Arase as a shining example in law enforcement. In his eulogy, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described Arase as a reformist whose initiatives remain the cornerstone of modern policing in Nigeria.

“The death of Dr. Solomon Arase is a loss felt not just by his family or the Nigeria Police, but by the entire nation,” Egbetokun said. “He was an institution in himself — a rare blend of intellect, discipline, and humanity. From the moment he joined the Police in 1981 as a cadet officer, his career became a lesson in precedence, excellence, and dedication. Everywhere he served, he left memories, reforms, and a legacy that continues to inspire young officers.”

Egbetokun recalled his first encounter with Arase in Lagos when the latter served at FCID Alagbon. “That meeting left a lasting impression on me,” he said, noting that Arase went on to establish the Technical Intelligence Unit, the Intelligence Response Team, and the Complaint Response Unit — initiatives that still define policing in Nigeria today.

Representing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa said Arase’s sudden passing had created a profound void but his legacy remained indelible. He praised Arase as a visionary leader who championed intelligence-led policing, strengthened community partnerships, and upheld accountability.

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), represented by Director of Human Resource Management, Aminu Malumfashi, also described Arase as “a police officer of repute, a scholar, and a reformer who will be remembered as a shining light in the history of Nigerian policing.”

The solemn ceremony drew six former Inspectors-General of Police and other distinguished Nigerians, who together celebrated the life, service, and enduring impact of the late police chief.

The late IGP Tafa Adebayo Balogun that Arase served as PSO was represented by his wife Mrs Funke Balogun. A former EFCC boss, retired AIG Farida Waziri also attended the event.