Pepper spray (also known as capsicum spray) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears.
The attack on April Jojo Muse On Tuesday December 12, 2017 by an unknown Police officer has once again brought the pepper spray to our attention. Some months ago there was a story on social media about a lady who was robbed with the aid of a pepper spray, according to her account she ordered for an Uber ride and while waiting a man drove to her to present himself as her Uber driver, the said man who later robbed and dispossessed her of her valuables was never an Uber driver but a criminal who took advantage of the lady.
Several story has made its way round the usage of Pepper Spray in the country.

Pepper spray is a traditionally regarded as security equipment, access to it is regulated by extant security laws in many nations of the world. In the United states of America, It’s an offense to carry/ship pepper spray on a commercial airliner or possess it beyond the security metal detectors at the airport. Also, it may only be used in situations involving imminent physical threats or fear of bodily harm. Pepper spray cannot be legally purchased and carried in some states, cities, or counties in all 50 states while it’s usage also have an age requirement.

In Canada, China, Poland, Norway among others there are laws guiding its usage to prevent abuse. Here in Nigeria their no known extant laws guiding its usage. It’s sale and usage is not controlled either. When you buy a canister of pepper spray in the UK, you are required by law to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the seller, and file a security report after each usage to the police, it doesn’t occur in Nigeria.

Online retailers put pepper spray for sale without any legal requirements for purchase, as a result, it will get into the wrong hands as it remains uncontrolled.

The necessary agency saddled with the regulations of security equipment are advised to make a formal pronouncements on Pepper Spray, its purchase and sale by Nigerians. It is necessary to prevent its abuse by unscrupulous individuals as a result making it legal should follow the necessary due process.

tosin adesina