Osun Election: Police Arrest Officer Over Accidental Tear Gas Discharge in Modakeke

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer captured in a viral video discharging tear gas during Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The incident occurred at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke, Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, amid voting across Osun.

A video circulating on social media showed the officer discharging tear gas, while a narrator speaking in Yoruba alleged that police officers had fired the substance at a polling unit without provocation.

However, the Osun Police Command clarified that the incident did not occur at a polling unit but at an RAC where the officer had been deployed.

In a statement posted on X, the command said the tear gas was accidentally discharged due to negligence by the officer while he was attempting to ease himself.

“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident did not take place at any polling unit. It occurred at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) and was the result of negligence on the part of an officer who was attempting to ease himself,” the statement said.

The command condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as inconsistent with the standards expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

It said the officer was immediately apprehended and that a thorough investigation had commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were any other motives.

The police also rejected claims that the tear gas incident was deliberately intended to prevent voters from exercising their franchise, describing such claims as “false and misleading.”

According to the command, police officers deployed for election duties are not permitted to carry arms within a specified radius of polling units.

The command apologised to residents, voters and other election stakeholders who may have been affected or inconvenienced by the incident.

It added that the officer would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with police regulations if found culpable.

The development comes amid heightened security concerns during the Osun governorship election, with authorities repeatedly urging security personnel and political actors to maintain professionalism and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The police said it remained committed to protecting voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders throughout the election while upholding neutrality and public safety.