As a result, to curb the increasing tide of rape, some women now arm their selves with pepper spray or other similar mixtures to fend off possible attackers/violators. According to tweets credited to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, “being in possession of pepper spray” is considered an offence under Nigerian criminal laws by the Police. The major purpose of carrying pepper spray is solely for personal safety. The mere possession of pepper spray does not constitute an offence in Nigeria so long as it cannot be positively proved that a woman who carries it does so with the intent of committing a crime with it. It would be better if the use of pepper spray is regulated, rather than banned, as is done in the US.

Source: The Guardian June 06, 2020 11:15 UTC