Ogun Court Remands 29 Suspects Over Unlawful Assembly and Violent Protest
Magistrate O. M. Somefun of the Sagamu Magistrate’s Court in Ogun State has ordered the remand of 29 suspects in a correctional facility for alleged unlawful assembly and acts capable of disturbing public peace. The suspects were among 146 persons arrested by the Ogun State Police Command under its Operation Keep Sagamu Safe initiative. After a thorough screening process, those indicted were arraigned on April 15, 2026.
Court Proceedings and Police Response
The court has ordered the remand of the 29 individuals and adjourned the case to May 12, 2026 for further hearing. The Ogun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to due process, emphasizing that the area remains calm and urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.
Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that police responded on April 7, 2026 to a disturbance caused by commercial motorcycle riders who blocked Oba Erinwole GRA Road in Sagamu, severely disrupting movement. He noted that although the riders acted on grievances, their conduct breached the law, leading to police intervention to disperse the gathering.
Escalation and Intelligence-Led Operations
Following the initial incident, the group later moved to the Vehicle Inspection Office and TRACE office in the Sotubo area, further disrupting activities at the Sotubo Health Centre and other essential services. In response, the command intensified its intelligence operations, resulting in the arrest of 10 principal suspects who have since been charged in court. Information obtained from these individuals guided subsequent police actions.
On April 13, 2026, operatives of the Sagamu Area Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders, conducted an intelligence-led raid on identified flashpoints. This coordinated operation led to the arrest of 146 suspects. Participating agencies included:
- Nigeria Police Force
- Nigerian Army
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
- Amotekun Corps
- Ogun State Community Security (So-Safe) Corps
- Vigilante Group of Nigeria
Warning from Police Commissioner
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, issued a stern warning to criminal elements in Sagamu and surrounding areas, stating that the command is prepared to respond decisively to any breach of law and order. There will be no hiding place for individuals or groups intent on undermining public peace, as the full force of the law will be applied, he declared.
Ojajuni added that the command will sustain the gains of Operation Keep Sagamu Safe through intelligence-led policing and enhanced collaboration with local communities. He also expressed appreciation for the support of the Sagamu Local Council and traditional rulers, noting that their cooperation has significantly contributed to improved security in the region.
Call for Lawful Conduct
The Commissioner further commended the participating security agencies for their professionalism during the operations and urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with authorities. Grievances must be channelled through lawful means, as any deviation will attract appropriate legal consequences, he emphasized, reinforcing the importance of maintaining public order and safety.
