The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight people accused of breaching public peace, blocking major roads, and attacking police officers during a protest in the Sango-Ota area of the state. The incident, which occurred on Christmas Day, caused traffic disruption and raised security concerns among residents and road users.
According to the police, the suspects were part of a group agitating under the name “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.” The group reportedly took to the streets around Temidire Junction and the Under-Bridge area of Sango-Ota, where they allegedly set bonfires, barricaded roads, and disrupted the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Sango-Ota is a busy industrial and residential hub in Ogun State. It serves as a major link between Lagos and several parts of Ogun, making traffic flow in the area very important to workers, traders, and commuters. Any disruption in this axis often leads to long traffic jams and affects economic activities.
Eyewitnesses said the protest started peacefully but later turned chaotic as the group blocked roads and lit fires on the highway. This reportedly led to heavy traffic and confusion, especially as many people were travelling to visit family and friends for the Christmas celebration.
Confirming the arrests on Friday, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspects also attacked police officers who were deployed to maintain law and order.
DSP Babaseyi explained that the incident happened on December 25, 2025. He said police received reports that a group was unlawfully blocking roads and causing public disturbance in Sango-Ota.
“On 25th December 2025, Christmas Day, at Temidire Junction and Under-Bridge, Sango-Ota, a group agitating under the aegis of ‘Democratic Republic of the Yoruba’ unlawfully barricaded roads, set bonfires, disrupted the free flow of traffic, and attacked police officers deployed to maintain law and order,” he said.
Following the report, police operatives were quickly mobilised to the area. According to the police spokesman, the officers were able to disperse the group and arrest eight suspects at the scene.
The arrested suspects include four men and four women. They were identified as Olurotimi Ademola, 52; Adewale Sosanya, 48; Yusuf Tanimowo, 40; Opeyemi Oladotun, 31; Adewale Adebomojo, 48; Toyin Gabriel, 40; Zara Gabriel, 22; and Ajoke Gabriel, 19.
DSP Babaseyi said several items were recovered from the suspects. These include a Toyota Dyna vehicle allegedly used to convey members of the group, two broadcast speakers, a carton containing flags, shirts with inscriptions linked to their agitation, and banners displaying their messages and manifesto.
The police said these items suggest the group was organised and had plans to pass their message to the public. However, the police stressed that the method used by the group was illegal and posed a threat to public safety.
The “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” is one of several groups that have, in recent years, called for the creation of a separate Yoruba nation from Nigeria. Such groups often argue that the Yoruba people would be better governed under an independent state. However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently declared that the country’s unity is non-negotiable and has warned against any form of secessionist activities.
Security agencies across the country have also made it clear that while citizens have the right to express their views peacefully, any action that disrupts public order or threatens national security will not be tolerated.
DSP Babaseyi said investigation into the incident is ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, has reassured residents of the state that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
In a statement released by the police, Ogunlowo warned that the command would not tolerate any act capable of breaching public peace, especially actions that put innocent citizens at risk.
He also condemned the alleged assault on police officers, describing it as unacceptable. According to him, police officers are deployed to protect citizens, and any attack on them is an attack on law and order.
The commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding and to use legal means to express grievances. He also called on members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the police through the command’s emergency lines.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among residents of Sango-Ota. While some people criticised the protest, saying it caused unnecessary hardship for commuters, others called for dialogue and engagement to address the concerns of groups pushing for self-determination.
A commercial bus driver who plies the Sango-Ota route said the road blockage caused delays and reduced his earnings for the day. “It was Christmas, and many people wanted to travel. Blocking the road only made things harder for everyone,” he said.
However, a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the government should listen more to young people and groups who feel marginalised. “Arresting people will not solve all the problems. There should also be dialogue,” he said.
In recent years, Ogun State, due to its closeness to Lagos and its growing population, has experienced increased security challenges, including traffic-related incidents, protests, and criminal activities. The police command has repeatedly warned against unlawful gatherings and has encouraged residents to seek police permission for public demonstrations, as required by law.
As the investigation continues, security presence has reportedly been increased in parts of Sango-Ota to prevent further unrest. Residents have been advised to go about their normal activities but remain vigilant.