The group, whom the Police said it caught during its "stop-and-search duty", was accused of using the customised materials to gain “easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation”.
Sixteen persons bearing membership cards of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been arrested by the Police in Osun on Thursday.
Customised Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) tags were found in their possession, as well as face caps and jackets bearing the inscription: ‘INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer’.
The group, whom the Police said it caught during its "stop-and-search duty", was accused of using the customised materials to gain “easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation”.
A statement by SP Folasade Odoro, Police Public Relations Officer, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, read: “The Nigeria Police Force in its continued efforts to discharging its responsibilities of ensuring the peaceful conclusion of Osun 2018 Gubernatorial Election, that was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in which Thursday 27th September, 2018 was fixed for the re-run in the Seven (7) Polling units.
“Police team on stop-and-search duties at Orolu, intercepted vehicles with sixteen persons on board in possession of customised INEC tags, face cap and jackets with the inscription of ‘INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer’ and PDP membership cards, The suspects are using the items to have easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to debunk report that some accredited INEC observers were arrested or denied access to polling units. Therefore, assuring the good people of Osun State and other critical stakeholders of its renewed commitment and resolve to ensure adequate security for a free and fair re-run election while investigation continues.”