Children’s Day chaos: Police nab three bouncers over pepper spray attack in Edo

Edo State Police Command has arrested three bouncers and a woman following a pepper spray incident that disrupted Children's Day celebrations at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The command also confirmed the arrest of a police officer for an earlier tear gas incident that resulted in a death.

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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.

The Children's Day event on May 27, 2026, was marred when bouncers unlawfully discharged pepper spray, causing panic among children and other attendees. The arrested bouncers have been identified as Ifeanyi John Paul, Ola Ibikunle, and Onoha Chukwuoji. Further investigation led to the apprehension of Mrs. Rebecca Hassan, who is alleged to be the supplier of the pepper spray used.

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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.

The police command expressed grave concern over the increasing availability and misuse of restricted security equipment, such as pepper spray and tear gas, by private individuals, bouncers, and unauthorized security outfits. The command emphasized that using such items without proper training or regard for public safety endangers innocent lives and creates public disorder.

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The officer involved was immediately arrested and subjected to disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws.

In a separate but related incident on May 25, 2026, a police officer unlawfully discharged tear gas in Ogida, Benin City, leading to a fatality. The officer involved was immediately arrested and is undergoing disciplinary and criminal proceedings. The command warned all individuals and groups in possession of such prohibited items to desist from their unlawful possession and use, stating that unauthorized use constitutes assault or acts capable of causing grievous harm or death.

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Following diligent investigation into the incident, the Command has arrested three bouncers connected to the unlawful act, namely Ifeanyi John Paul, aged 36 years, Ola Ibikunle, aged 46 years, and Onoha Chukwuoji, aged 33 years.