Police authorities in Ogun State have taken eight individuals into custody following a major disruption of public peace on Christmas Day. The suspects, who were advocating for a separate Yoruba nation, were arrested for allegedly causing chaos in the Sango-Ota area.
Details of the Christmas Day Incident
The incident occurred on December 25, 2025, at the Temidire Junction and Under-Bridge in Sango-Ota. According to the police, a group operating under the banner of the 'Democratic Republic of Yoruba' engaged in activities that severely disrupted the festive peace. They are accused of unlawfully barricading roads, setting bonfires, and obstructing the free flow of traffic.
Upon receiving alerts about the situation, police officers were swiftly deployed to the scene to restore order. The police statement indicates that the agitators did not disperse peacefully and instead attacked the officers sent to maintain law and order, leading to allegations of serious assault.
Suspects and Recovered Exhibits
The Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, identified the eight arrested suspects. They are:
- Adewale Sosanya, Male, 48 years
- Opeyemi Oladotun, Male, 31 years
- Zara Gabriel, Female, 22 years
- Ajoke Gabriel, Female, 19 years
- Adewale Adebomojo, Female, 48 years
- Yusuf Tanimowo, Male, 40 years
- Olurotimi Ademola, Male, 52 years
- Toyin Gabriel, Female, 40 years
Following the arrests, police recovered several items from the suspects. The exhibits include a Toyota Dyna vehicle used to transport them, two broadcast speakers, a carton containing flags, shirts with inscriptions promoting their cause, and various banners displaying their messages and manifesto.
Police Response and Warning to the Public
DSP Babaseyi confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the police investigation. He reiterated that the charges would stem from breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and serious assault on police officers.
In a strong statement, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command's dedication to protecting lives and property. He issued a stern warning that the police will not tolerate any acts capable of undermining public safety. CP Ogunlowo emphasized that any assault on police officers performing their lawful duties will be met with decisive legal action.
The Commissioner urged all citizens to remain law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He provided the following emergency contact numbers for the Ogun State Police Command:
- Gateway Shield (General Complaints Line – Toll Free): 0800 000 9111
- Emergency Numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994
