The Ogun State Police Command has announced the arrest of eight individuals identified as suspected separatist agitators operating under the banner of the "Democratic Republic of the Yoruba." The arrests followed incidents on Christmas Day, where the group allegedly engaged in breaches of public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and serious assault on police officers in the Sango-Ota area of the state.

According to statements released by the Police Spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects were apprehended at Temidire Junction and Under-Bridge in Sango-Ota. On receiving reports, police operatives were swiftly mobilized to these affected locations. The group had reportedly barricaded major roads, set bonfires, and significantly disrupted the free flow of vehicular movement and traffic, leading to their confrontation with officers deployed to maintain law and order. The police successfully dispersed the gathering before making the arrests and restoring normalcy to the area.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Adewale Sosanya, male, aged 48; Opeyemi Oladotun, male, aged 31; Zara Gabriel, female, aged 22; Ajoke Gabriel, female, aged 19; Adewale Adebomojo, female, aged 48; Yusuf Tanimowo, male, aged 40; Olurotimi Ademola, male, aged 52; and Toyin Gabriel, female, aged 40. Exhibits recovered from the group included a Toyota Dyna vehicle used for transportation, two broadcast or public address speakers, a carton containing flags and shirts emblazoned with inscriptions related to their agitation, and banners displaying their messages and manifesto.

Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, through his spokesperson, has reassured residents of the Command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ogun State. The CP issued a stern warning that the police would not tolerate any acts capable of breaching public peace and emphasized that any assault on police officers would be met with decisive action. He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious activities, providing the Command’s emergency lines: 0800 000 9111, 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994. Investigations are currently ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe.