The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer who allegedly discharged tear gas at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, during the ongoing governorship election.
The command, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the incident did not occur at a polling unit as earlier reported, but at the RAC where the officer was deployed.
According to the command, the officer accidentally discharged the tear gas due to negligence while attempting to ease himself.
The command condemned the conduct, describing it as falling below the standard expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
It said the officer had been immediately apprehended, while an investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were any other motives behind his action.
“For the avoidance of doubt, police officers on election duty are not permitted to bear arms within a specified radius of polling units.
“Claims that the incident was intended to prevent eligible voters from exercising their franchise are therefore false and misleading,” the command said.
The police apologised to residents and election stakeholders who may have been affected by the incident, assuring them of its commitment to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
It added that the officer would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the regulations of the Force.
The command further assured voters and other participants in the election of adequate security, saying it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
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