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, who recently passed away.
Mr. Arase died in Abuja on August 31, 2025, after a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Association’s Head of Media, Mr. Emmanuel Ohiomokhare, shortly after a condolence visit to Mrs. Agharese Arase, widow of the late Police Chief, the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs. Stella Nwabuche, described 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 with his passing, Nigeria has lost not only a fine officer but also an exemplary human being.
“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. As our patron, he offered wise counsel and unwavering support to our Association, and his contributions will never be forgotten.”
The Association extended condolences to the Arase family, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians at large, describing the late IGP as “a noble son of the nation.”
Mrs. Nwabuche was accompanied on the condolence visit by four 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., lawyer and senior official of the National Assembly; Mr. Nnamdi Okosieme, journalist and publisher of Nigerian Shuttle online newspaper; and Mrs. Theodora Obayogie, family therapist and General Secretary of the Association.
The late IGP Arase served the Nigeria Police in various capacities, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Principal Secretary to former IGP Tarfa Balogun, and Assistant Inspector General in the intelligence unit. He retired honourably from the Force on June 21, 2016.
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