Police arrest eight ‘Yoruba republic’ members over ‘unlawful assembly’

The Ogun state police command has arrested eight persons for allegedly breaching public peace, unlawful assembly, obstructing traffic and assaulting officers in parts of Sango-Ota.

A statement issued on Friday by Oluseyi Babaseyi, spokesperson of the command, said the arrests followed an incident on December 25, 2025, at Temidire Junction and the Sango-Ota under-bridge.

Babaaeyi said the group, operating under the name “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba”, allegedly barricaded major roads, set up bonfires and disrupted the free flow of traffic.

According to the police, officers deployed to maintain law and order at the scene were attacked by members of the group, prompting a swift security response.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives were immediately mobilised to the affected locations, where they successfully dispersed the group and restored normalcy,” the statement reads.

The suspects arrested were identified as Adewale Sosanya, Opeyemi Oladotun, Zara Gabriel, Ajoke Gabriel, Adewale Adebomojo, Yusuf Tanimowo, Olurotimi Ademola, and Toyin Gabriel.

Babaseyi said exhibits recovered from the suspects included a Toyota Dyna vehicle allegedly used to convey them, two public address speakers, a carton containing flags and shirts bearing inscriptions linked to the agitation, as well as banners displaying messages and a manifesto.

He added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.

The police spokesperson said Lanre Ogunlowo, commissioner of police (CP) in Ogun, has reassured residents of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

“He warned that the police will not tolerate any act capable of breaching public peace and stressed that assaults on police officers will attract decisive action,” Babaseyi quoted the CP as saying.

Ogunlowo urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines, including the Gateway Shield toll-free number 0800 000 9111, and other emergency contacts provided by the police.