The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight individuals on Christmas Day for allegedly attacking police officers while they were performing their lawful duties.
The suspects were reportedly involved in unlawful assembly and actions that led to a breach of public peace in the Sango-Ota area of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Abeokuta.
He explained that the eight suspects were arrested over alleged breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and assault on police officers.
According to Babaseyi, the incident occurred on Christmas Day at Temidire Junction and Under-Bridge areas of Sango-Ota, where a group operating under the name “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” allegedly blocked major roads.
He said the group reportedly lit bonfires, impeded the free flow of traffic, and attacked police personnel deployed to ensure law and order.
” Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the affected locations, successfully dispersed the group, and arrested all the suspects” he said.
Babaseyi added that items recovered from the suspects included a Toyota Dyna vehicle allegedly used to transport them, two broadcast devices, a carton containing flags, shirts bearing inscriptions linked to their agitation, as well as banners displaying their messages and manifesto.
He said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
Ogunlowo also warned that the Police would not condone any act capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that assaults on police officers would attract firm action.
He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency toll-free lines: 0800 000 9111; 0906 283 7609; 0912 014 1706; 0915 102 7369; and 0708 497 2994.
