Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - The Edo State Police Command has arrested three bouncers for unlawfully discharging pepper spray during the Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Several students collapsed during the celebration after
inhaling the pepper spray.
The students were rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for
medical attention.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who
disclosed this in a statement on 1st June, 2026, also said that a police
officer was arrested after he unlawfully discharged tear-gas in Benin City,
leading to the loss of a life.
According to the PPRO, the officer involved was subjected to
disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws.
Ikoedem stated that the bouncers identified as Ifeanyi John
Paul, Ola Ibikunle, and Onoha Chukwuoji, were arrested alongside one Mrs.
Rebecca Hassan, alleged to be the supplier/seller of the pepper spray used
during the incident.
“The Edo State Police Command has expressed grave concern
over the increasing proliferation, unauthorized 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
unauthorized security outfits within the State,” the statement read.
"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.
"It would be recalled that on 25th May, 2026, a Police
Officer attached to the Command unlawfully discharged tear-gas at Ogida, Benin
City, an incident which unfortunately led to the loss of a life.
"The officer involved was immediately arrested and
subjected to disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws.
"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.
"Following diligent investigation into the incident,
the Command has arrested three (3) bouncers connected to the unlawful act,
namely: Ifeanyi John Paul, aged 36yrs, Ola Ibikunle, aged 46yrs and Onoha
Chukwuoji, aged 33yrs
"Further investigation also led to the arrest of one
Mrs. Rebecca Hassan, alleged to be the supplier/seller of the pepper spray used
during the incident.
"The Command views the unauthorized use of such devices
as assault, or acts capable of causing grievous harm, and in certain
circumstances, d3ath.
"Consequently, unlawful possession of these items with
intent to commit felony and other related offences is viewed as criminal under
the law.
"In view of the foregoing, the Edo State Police Command
hereby issues a stern warning to all individuals, private security personnel,
bouncers, vigilante groups, and unauthorized organizations in possession of
pepper spray, tear-gas, or related restricted security equipment to immediately
desist from such unlawful possession and usage.
"Henceforth, any person found in possession of such prohibited or unauthorized police/security accoutrements, including sellers, distributors, and suppliers, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassures residents that the Command remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens and will not tolerate any act capable of threatening public peace and safety within the State.”
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