The Edo State Police Command said it has arrested an officer for reportedly tear-gassing an unknown person to death in Benin City.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed this on Monday, June 1, 2026, in a statement made available to the media in Benin City.
Ikoedem recalled that on 25th May, 2026, a Police Officer attached to the Command unlawfully discharged tear-gas at Ogida, Benin City. The action, unfortunately, led to the loss of a life.
She said the officer involved was immediately arrested and subjected to disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws.
The Command also disclosed that three bouncers and a supplier of pepper spray have been arrested in connection with the May 27, 2026 stampede incident that happened at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the Children’s Day celebration.
She listed the arrested persons to include Ifeanyi John Paul, 36, Ola Ibikunle, 46, Onoha Chukwuoji, 33 and Mrs Rebecca Hassan.
She said further investigation led to the arrest of Mrs Rebecca Hassan, alleged to be the supplier/seller of the pepper spray used during the incident.
“Similarly, on 27th May, 2026, during the Children’s Day Celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, pepper spray was unlawfully discharged within the stadium premises by private bouncers, causing panic and affecting several children and other attendees at the event.
“The Edo State Police Command has expressed grave concern over the increasing proliferation, unauthorised possession, and unlawful use of restricted security accoutrements such as pepper spray, tear-gas canisters, and other force-related equipment by private individuals, bouncers, vigilantes, and unauthorised security outfits within the State.
“It frowns on the use of such items without proper training, or regard for public safety, thereby endangering innocent lives and creating avoidable public disorder”, she said.
Ikoedem posited that the Command views the unauthorised use of such devices as assault, or acts capable of causing grievous harm, and in certain circumstances, death.
She explained that the unlawful possession of these items with the intent to commit felony and other related offences is viewed as criminal under the law, noting that the command has issued a stern warning to all individuals, private security personnel, bouncers, vigilante groups, and unauthorised organisations in possession of pepper spray, tear-gas, or related restricted security equipment to immediately desist from such unlawful possession and usage.
The Command’s spokesperson threatened that any person found in possession of such prohibited or unauthorised police/security accoutrements, including sellers, distributors, and suppliers, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
