Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABAKOYA/OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight alleged leaders of a separatist group operating under the banner “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba”, detaining four women and four men on charges including breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic and assault on police officers, security authorities said on Friday, January 2, 2026.
According to a statement from the command, the suspects were apprehended after they unlawfully blocked major roadways and set bonfires at Temidire Junction and the under-bridge area of Sango-Ota, effectively disrupting the free flow of traffic and causing alarm among commuters and local residents.
Police personnel who responded to distress calls were met with resistance from the group, which allegedly assaulted officers upon arrival, prompting a decisive response by operatives who dispersed the crowd and arrested the suspected agitators. Items seized during the operation included their vehicle, broadcast equipment, flags and other secessionist paraphernalia reportedly used in the demonstration and to propagate their movement’s objectives.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the actions, warning against any conduct that could undermine public order or incite violence. He emphasised that citizens must respect the law and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and safety across the state. Ogunlowo also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement authorities.
The arrests come amid heightened sensitivity to movements advocating for autonomy or restructuring in various parts of Nigeria, where similar groups have in the past been linked to civil disruption and confrontations with security agents. While advocacy for socio-political reform is constitutionally protected, authorities say it must be pursued peacefully and within legal frameworks to avoid jeopardising public safety.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be arraigned on charges relating to public disturbance and assault as the police prepare files for prosecution. The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all citizens can go about their lawful activities without interference from unlawful assemblies or acts that threaten the rule of law.
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