Abuja stood still on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, as dignitaries from politics, law, security, and civil society gathered to honour the late former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase (CFR), at a moving Day of Tributes held at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi.
The solemn event drew an impressive roll call of Nigeria’s security and political elite, underscoring Arase’s towering legacy as a reformist police chief, scholar, and statesman.
Among the dignitaries were the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo (represented by his deputy) Dennis Idahosa; the Senate President Godswill Akpabio (represented by Senator Adams Oshiomhole), the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and no fewer than six retired IGPs—Sunday Gabriel Ehindero, Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo, MD Abubakar, Suleiman Abba, and Alkali Baba Usman.
They were joined by retired DIGs, including Adedayo Shehu Adeoye, Ivy Okoronkwo, Leye Oyebade mni (representing NIPSS), Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, Jonathan Towuru, Mohammed Yesufu (Chairman, Police Veterans Foundation), and Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, who represented the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Also in attendance were retired AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIGs Tunji Disu and Johnson Adenola, retired Commissioners of Police Lawrence Alobi, Dr. Olayinka Balogun, Emmanuel Ojukwu, Fatai Owoseni, and CP Abayomi Shogunle.
The legal community was represented by Dr. Muiz Banire for the Body of Benchers, while civil society and human rights groups such as the CLEEN Foundation, the Defence College, Chief Aisha Tosan-Agberebi, and gender activist Professor Enase Okonedo also paid their respects. Former Force PRO Bisi Kolawole, who once served under Arase, was also present.
The highlight of the event was the heartfelt tributes delivered by the six retired IGPs, reflecting on Arase’s enduring contributions to policing, justice, and human rights. His eldest daughter offered a moving remembrance, while his son delivered the Vote of Thanks, drawing the solemn ceremony to a close.
The Day of Tributes not only celebrated the life of Dr. Arase but also affirmed his place in history as a bridge-builder between the police institution and the society it serves.
