The Ogun State Police Command has taken eight individuals into custody for their alleged involvement in a violent confrontation with law enforcement officers on Christmas Day. The incident, which disrupted public peace, occurred in the Sango-Ota area of the state.
Details of the Christmas Day Disturbance
According to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, SP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Friday in Abeokuta, the arrests were made following reports of serious disturbances at Temidire Junction and the Under-Bridge area in Sango-Ota. The suspects were identified as part of a group operating under the name "Democratic Republic of the Yoruba."
Babaseyi stated that the group engaged in unlawful activities, including barricading major roads, setting bonfires, and causing significant traffic obstruction. When police officers were deployed to the scene to restore order, the group allegedly attacked them.
Police Response and Items Recovered
"Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the affected locations, successfully dispersed the group, and arrested all the suspects," Babaseyi explained. The police recovered several items from the suspects, which included:
- A Toyota Dyna vehicle allegedly used for transportation.
- Two sets of broadcast equipment.
- A carton containing flags and shirts with inscriptions related to their agitation.
- Banners displaying their messages and manifesto.
The suspects now face multiple accusations, including unlawful assembly, breach of public peace, obstruction of traffic, and assault on police officers performing their lawful duties.
Commissioner's Warning and Next Steps
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Larne Ogunlowo, has reassured residents of the command's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. He issued a stern warning that the police will not tolerate any actions capable of breaching public peace.
CP Ogunlowo stressed that any assault on police officers would be met with decisive legal action. He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities through the command's emergency toll-free lines.
SP Babaseyi confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
