Election: Police Warn Against Use Of Dogs At Polling Units

The Nigerian Police Force have cautioned Nigerians against the use of dogs and other pets at polling units for the forthcoming gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said in a statement on Tuesday by the Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, “The Nigeria Police Force has deemed it necessary to educate and caution Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs, at the polling units on election day, as such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.

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“The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.

“Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others. The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various States, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite.”

The statement was issued when reports suggested that some persons planned to hit polling units with their dogs and other pets as part of efforts to scare off thugs and other electoral offenders.

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“The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, warns those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.”

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