Edo: Police arrest officer for alleged killing with tear-gas
Edo State Police Arrest Officer Following Tear-Gas Incident
Benin City, Edo State — The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police officer implicated in the death of an individual after tear gas was discharged during an incident in Ogida, Benin City.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, announced the arrest on Monday, June 1, 2026. According to Ikoedem, the officer unlawfully deployed tear gas on May 25, resulting in the fatality.
The arrested officer will face both disciplinary and criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable laws, Ikoedem stated.
In a separate development, police have also apprehended three bouncers and a supplier of pepper spray related to a stampede that occurred on May 27, 2026, during the Children’s Day celebration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Those arrested include Ifeanyi John Paul, 36; Ola Ibikunle, 46; Onoha Chukwuoji, 33; and Rebecca Hassan, alleged to have supplied the pepper spray used during the incident.
Ikoedem reported that the unauthorized discharge of pepper spray by private bouncers at the stadium caused panic among children and attendees, raising significant safety concerns.
The Police Command has expressed alarm over the increasing prevalence and unauthorized use of restricted security equipment, including pepper spray and tear gas, by private citizens, bouncers, and vigilantes in the state.
Ikoedem emphasized that such actions are considered assault and could lead to serious harm or death. She urged individuals and unauthorized security personnel possessing these items to cease their use immediately, warning that anyone found in possession of prohibited items will face arrest and prosecution.
