The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight suspects connected to a disruptive road blockade and violent confrontation with law enforcement officers in the Sango-Ota area. The incident, which occurred on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, involved alleged members of a group calling itself the Democratic Republic of the Yoruba, who reportedly obstructed major thoroughfares and assaulted police officers deployed to preserve public order.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement released on Friday, December 26, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi. According to Babaseyi, the disruption unfolded at Temidire Junction and the Under-Bridge area of Sango-Ota, where the group had barricaded roads, set bonfires and brought traffic to a standstill.
“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,” Babaseyi said in the statement.
Responding swiftly to reports of the unrest, police operatives were mobilised to the affected locations where they successfully dispersed the group and took eight suspects into custody, the spokesman said.
Those arrested during the operation were identified as: Adewale Sosanya, male, 48; Opeyemi Oladotun, male, 31; Zara Gabriel, female, 22; Ajoke Gabriel, female, 19; Adewale Adebomojo, female, 48; Yusuf Tanimowo, male, 40; Olurotimi Ademola, male, 52; Toyin Gabriel, female, 40.
The police also recovered items allegedly used in the protest, including a Toyota Dyna vehicle believed to have transported the suspects, two broadcast speakers, and a carton of flags and branded shirts bearing messages linked to their agitation. Banners displaying the group’s manifesto were also seized.
DSP Babaseyi said the suspects are being held as investigations continue and will be arraigned in court once the process is complete.
In a separate reassurance to residents, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
“The police will not tolerate any actions capable of breaching public peace,” CP Ogunlowo warned, stressing that attacks on law enforcement officers will be met with firm and decisive measures.
He further urged the public to stay law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command’s emergency contact lines, including the toll-free Gateway Shield number: 0800 000 9111 and several dedicated local emergency lines.
