The Osun State Police Command has taken an officer into custody after a video circulated online showing him releasing tear gas during Saturday’s governorship election in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer who was captured on video firing tear gas during the governorship election held on Saturday in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area.
Police clarified that the incident happened at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, not at a polling unit as some social media posts suggested. A viral clip showed the officer releasing the gas while a narrator who spoke Yoruba claimed the police fired at voters without any provocation.
In a statement, the command said: “The attention of the Osun State Police Command has been drawn to reports and videos circulating on social media concerning an incident alleged to have occurred in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area where an officer posted to Registration Area Centre (RAC) accidentally discharged his tear gas.”
The police said the officer was trying to ease himself when the canister was discharged. The command called the conduct “highly condemnable” and said it fell below the standards expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. The officer was immediately apprehended and a thorough investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances and whether there were other motives.
Authorities also reminded the public that officers on election duty are barred from carrying arms within a specified distance of polling units. The command rejected claims that the tear gas was meant to stop eligible voters from casting their ballots, describing those claims as “false and misleading.”
The police apologised to citizens and election stakeholders who may have been affected or inconvenienced. The officer is expected to face appropriate disciplinary action under the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The command has assured the public that the officer will face disciplinary action and apologised to those affected by the incident.
