Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Eight suspected members of a self‑styled group known as the “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” were arrested by the Ogun State Police Command on Christmas Day following a series of disruptive actions that included erecting illegal roadblocks, obstructing traffic, and attacking police officers deployed to maintain public order. The arrests come amid heightened sensitivity around public safety during the festive period, as security authorities work to prevent actions that could escalate into broader unrest.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Friday, December 26, the incidents occurred on December 25 at Temidire Junction and the under‑bridge area of Sango‑Ota, a busy axis in the Ado‑Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Members of the group allegedly set bonfires, blocked major roads with makeshift barricades, and disrupted the free flow of vehicular movement, prompting distress calls from residents and travellers caught in the chaos.
Police operatives were mobilised rapidly to the scenes after receiving reports of unlawful assembly and obstruction of traffic. As officers sought to restore order, they were reportedly assaulted by some members of the group, escalating the situation and necessitating a forceful response to disperse the crowd and secure the locations. The swift intervention resulted in the arrest of eight individuals believed to be directly involved in the disturbances.
The suspects were identified by police as Adewale Sosanya (48), Opeyemi Oladotun (31), Zara Gabriel (22), Ajoke Gabriel (19), Adewale Adebomojo (48), Yusuf Tanimowo (40), Olurotimi Ademola (52), and Toyin Gabriel (40). Authorities also recovered several items from the group that are believed to be linked to their activities. These included a Toyota Dyna vehicle reportedly used to transport members of the group, two broadcast speakers, a carton containing flags and shirts emblazoned with separatist slogans, and banners featuring the group’s messages and manifesto.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, warning that anyone found engaging in acts capable of breaching public tranquility would be dealt with firmly. He emphasised that assaults on law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties would attract decisive action and that the police would not tolerate behaviour that endangers the safety of residents or disrupts the rule of law.
Ogunlowo also urged members of the public to remain law‑abiding and to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly through the command’s emergency contact lines. Such cooperation, he said, was essential for the early detection of potential threats and the swift restoration of order when disturbances occur.
The arrests highlight ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in managing groups that advocate for alternative political configurations or autonomist agendas. While demonstrations and the expression of political views are protected under Nigerian law when conducted peacefully and within constitutional bounds, actions that breach public peace, obstruct traffic flow, or involve violence against security personnel are prosecutable offences.
As investigations continue, the arrested individuals are expected to be charged in court upon completion of the police probe. Potential offences include breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and assault on police officers, each of which carries significant penalties under Nigerian law.
The emergence of the group calling itself the Democratic Republic of the Yoruba underscores persistent undercurrents of agitation in parts of the south‑west region, where some factions have periodically voiced grievances related to political autonomy, economic marginalisation, or cultural identity. Security analysts note that although many advocacy groups operate within the ambit of civil discourse, others adopt tactics that veer into criminality, prompting enforcement responses aimed at preserving public safety and constitutional order.
Residents in Sango‑Ota and surrounding communities expressed relief following the police action, particularly given the timing of the disturbances during Nigeria’s busiest travel season. Christmas Day traditionally sees heightened movement across states as families reunite and festivities unfold; disruptions of this magnitude can create panic and jeopardise safety on already crowded roads.
Community leaders and civic groups have called for enhanced security presence along key transit routes and in urban centres, especially during public holidays, to deter similar disruptions. They emphasise the importance of balanced responses that safeguard civil liberties while ensuring that protests or political expressions do not devolve into actions that threaten the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.
The situation also raises broader questions about how law enforcement and political stakeholders engage with movements rooted in ethnic or regional identities. Advocates for dialogue argue that addressing underlying grievances through peaceful and constitutional means, including structured negotiations and policy reforms, may reduce the appeal of disruptive tactics. At the same time, authorities maintain that public safety and adherence to law must take precedence in any response framework.
For now, the focus remains on the legal proceedings that will follow the arrests and on calming local tensions to prevent further escalations. As the Ogun State Police Command prepares to formally charge the suspects, attention is likely to turn to how the justice system handles the case and what implications it may have for future engagements with similar groups in the region.
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