#OsunDecides2026: Nigerian Police Arrest Officer Over Teargas Discharge At Modakeke RAC Centre | Sahara Reporters

The incident, which was captured in videos circulating on social media, had generated concerns among residents and election stakeholders, with reports noting that this development caused panic in the area.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a police officer following the accidental discharge of teargas at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, during the ongoing Osun State governorship election.

The incident, which was captured in videos circulating on social media, had generated concerns among residents and election stakeholders, with reports noting that this development caused panic in the area.

The police command in its statement clarified that the incident did not occur at any polling unit but at the RAC where personnel deployed for election duty were stationed.

In a statement, the Osun State Police Command said its attention had been drawn to the reports and videos circulating online concerning the incident.

“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 teargas,” the statement said.

“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 police said.

“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement added.

“The officer involved has been immediately apprehended. A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to establish whether there were any other motives behind the action,” the command said.

The police also rejected claims that the incident was deliberately carried out to prevent eligible voters from participating in the election.

The command explained that police officers deployed for election duty are not permitted to carry arms within a specified radius of polling units, stressing that the Modakeke incident should not be interpreted as an attempt to disenfranchise voters.

“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 statement said.

The clarification comes amid heightened attention to the conduct of security personnel and other stakeholders in the Osun governorship election, with incidents at polling locations and registration centres being closely monitored by political parties, observers and voters.

The command apologised to residents and election stakeholders who may have been affected or inconvenienced by the incident, while assuring the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and protecting the electoral process.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the election is conducted in an atmosphere that allows eligible voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation or disruption.

The police also disclosed that the officer would face disciplinary measures after the investigation, in accordance with regulations governing the conduct of police personnel.

“The Nigeria Police Force Osun State Command remains resolute in its duty to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to guarantee the safety and security of all participants,” it added.

The development adds to the series of incidents being reported across Osun State as voters participate in the governorship election, with security agencies under pressure to maintain order and ensure that eligible voters are able to cast their ballots without obstruction.