The Great Ekenhuan Abuja Alumni Association, comprising graduates of Theatre Arts, Fine Arts, and Mass Communication from the University of Benin, Edo State, has paid glowing tribute to the late former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, describing him as a selfless patriot and exemplary Nigerian.
Mr. Arase passed away in Abuja on August 31, 2025, following a brief illness.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Association’s Head of Media, Mr. Emmanuel Ohiomokhare, shortly after a condolence visit to the widow of the late Police Chief, Mrs. Agharese Arase, the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs. Stella Nwabuche, hailed the late IGP as a “patriotic Nigerian, a defender of the less privileged, and a man whose humility stood out even in high office.”
“IGP Arase was a rare breed. He carried no airs despite the lofty positions he occupied. Until his final days, he remained approachable, compassionate, and down-to-earth,” Mrs. Nwabuche said.
She noted that Nigeria had lost not only a distinguished police officer but also a noble son of the nation.
“His death is truly a national loss. From his early days as a young officer, through his service as Commissioner of Police, Inspector General, and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, he distinguished himself with diligence and integrity,” she added.
As our patron, he offered wise counsel and unwavering support to our Association. His contributions will never be forgotten.”
The Association extended heartfelt condolences to the Arase family, the government and people of Edo State, and Nigerians at large, praising the late IGP as “a noble and selfless son of the nation.”
Accompanying Mrs. Nwabuche on the condolence visit were four distinguished members of the Association:
High Chief Kingsley Okafor, businessman and National President of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers (APCAD);
Dele Ahamisi, Esq., legal practitioner and senior official at the National Assembly;
Mr. Nnamdi Okosieme, journalist and publisher of the Nigerian Shuttle online newspaper; and
Mrs. Theodora Obayogie, family therapist and General Secretary of the Association.
Mr. Arase served the Nigeria Police Force in various capacities including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Principal Staff Officer to former IGP Tafa Balogun, and Assistant Inspector General in the Intelligence Unit. He was appointed the 18th Inspector General of Police and later served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission before retiring honorably on June 21, 2016.
