The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer seen in a viral video releasing tear gas during Saturday’s governorship election in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident happened at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, contrary to reports circulating online that the tear gas was fired directly at a polling unit.
In the video, the officer was seen discharging tear gas, while a Yoruba-speaking narrator claimed that the police had fired the canister at voters without provocation.
Reacting to the development, the Osun Police Command said the officer was deployed to the RAC and that the tear gas discharge resulted from negligence.
“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 command said.
The command said the officer was trying to ease himself when the incident happened, describing the conduct as “highly condemnable” and inconsistent with the standard expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
It said the officer was promptly arrested, while a comprehensive investigation had begun to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish whether any other motive was involved.
The police further clarified that officers assigned to election duties are prohibited from carrying arms within a designated distance from polling units.
It rejected allegations that the incident was deliberately intended to stop eligible voters from exercising their franchise, describing the claims as “false and misleading.”
The command apologised to residents and election stakeholders who may have been affected or inconvenienced by the incident.
It added that the officer would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the regulations governing the Nigeria Police Force.
