The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, describing him as “a distinguished friend of the Commission and a stalwart champion of human rights.”
In a condolence statement personally signed, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, extended heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Nigeria Police Force.
He paid tributes to him saying: “As a visionary leader, Arase brought transformative reforms to the Nigeria Police Force, prioritizing citizen-centric policing and human rights protection.
“His establishment of the Complaint Response Unit was a landmark initiative, ensuring swift responses to public complaints and fostering accountability within the police.
“As a human rights focussed Police officer, he set up and encouraged intelligence led policing. By this policy, which aimed at actualising right to presumption of innocence under the constitution, Solo insisted on intelligence gathering and investigation before arrest and detention of citizens especially when petitions are written.
“Unlike today, citizens are arrested first, before any investigation starts, completely negating the principles of the constitutional guarantee with impunity.
“Beyond his tenure as IGP, Arase continued to leverage his expertise as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, driving further reforms and modernization efforts.
“Indeed, his name has become synonymous with modern policing in Nigeria, reflecting his enduring impact on the profession.
Arase’s legacy extends beyond his official roles. He remains a revered member of the human rights family, whose dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all Nigerians has inspired a generation of human rights defenders and law enforcement officials.”
The full text of the statement reads below:
TRIBUTE TO A CHAMPION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: REMEMBERING FORMER IGP SOLOMON ARASE
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is deeply saddened by the passing of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, a distinguished friend of the Commission and a stalwart champion of human rights.
On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Commission, l extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Nigeria Police Force.
As a visionary leader, Arase brought transformative reforms to the Nigeria Police Force, prioritizing citizen-centric policing and human rights protection. His establishment of the Complaint Response Unit was a landmark initiative, ensuring swift responses to public complaints and fostering accountability within the police.
As a human rights focussed Police officer, he set up and encouraged intelligence led policing. By this policy, which aimed at actualising right to presumption of innocence under the constitution, Solo insisted on intelligence gathering and investigation before arrest and detention of citizens especially when petitions are written. Unlike today, citizens are arrested first, before any investigation starts, completely negating the principles of the constitutional guarantee with impunity.
Beyond his tenure as IGP, Arase continued to leverage his expertise as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, driving further reforms and modernization efforts. Indeed, his name has become synonymous with modern policing in Nigeria, reflecting his enduring impact on the profession.
Arase’s legacy extends beyond his official roles. He remains a revered member of the human rights family, whose dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all Nigerians has inspired a generation of human rights defenders and law enforcement officials.
The NHRC salutes Arase’s remarkable contributions to policing and human rights in Nigeria. His humility, intelligence, focus, and commitment to excellence will be deeply missed.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the memories of his outstanding life and service.
Dr Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN.
Executive Secretary,
NHRC
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