Divisional Police Officer in Niger State has snatched a ballot box.
The DPOs were moved around by the state police command for the purpose of the election.
The DPO, drafted to Magama Local Government Area, reportedly snatched four ballot boxes and papers at Mungoro Central Polling Unit of Majin Ward in Niger State.
He was also alleged to have tear gassed both the Independent National Electoral Commission officials and the electorates who were on queue patiently waiting to cast their votes.
An eyewitness, Barrister Ibrahim Rege, said the accreditation exercise was peacefully conducted and voting was in progress when the DPO invaded the polling unit, released cans of tear gas and forcefully took the ballot boxes and papers away.
According to Rege: “The entire voting process has been on course peacefully.
“Accreditation was peacefully carried out and voters were orderly on queue to cast their votes when the DPO stormed the polling unit, tear gassed both INEC officials and the people before carting away the ballot boxes with the already thumb printed and virgin ballot papers.”
He complained that people in the area had cause to report the DPO to the Area Commander recently accusing him of personally destroying posters and bill boards belonging to the All Progressives Congress.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who hails from the area, said he was informed of the incident and expressed concern over the unprofessional behaviour of the police officer.
Ibeto corroborated the allegation of bias on the part of the police officer.
But when contacted on phone, the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Amore, denied the allegation.
Rather, Amore said the DPO only helped to rescue INEC officials and materials from hoodlums.
He said: “It is not true.
“My DPO only protected the INEC officials and their materials from some hoodlums.
“They will only be making allegations when they were not allowed to carry out their nefarious activity.
“Go and ask INEC if any of their material is missing.
“My DPO only helped to protect INEC officials and materials.”
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