CLAIM: A video circulating on social media shows voters alleging that police officers stormed a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke, Ife East LGA, in Osun State, fired tear gas, disrupted the distribution of election materials, and allegedly carted away election materials.
Similar claims were found on Facebook here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
FINDINGS:
The Sun, Sahara Reporters and Tell Magazine shared the same video and reported the alleged incident.
A Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) observer, God’s Gift Akowe Hope, deployed to Ife East, confirmed the video was recorded at Urban Day Grammar School, Modakeke, Ife East LGA. However, she said she did not witness the alleged incident when she arrived at the location.
The NFC contacted the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abiodun Ojelabi, who said one of the police officers deployed to the centre accidentally discharged tear gas. He added that the officer had been identified and apprehended to explain why he did so. Ojelabi also noted that no election materials were taken away by the police officers at the scene.
VERDICT: PARTLY CORRECT
DATE: 15/08/2026
SOURCES: CJID Observer, Osun Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, The Sun, Sahara Reporters and TELL magazine
FACT CHECK AUTHOR: Muktar Balogun
EDITORS: Lois Ugbede, Opeyemi Kehinde and Motunrayo Joel