Police arrest suspected Yoruba Nation agitators in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has arrested suspected members of the outlawed Yoruba Nation group.

During a suspects’ parade held at the Command headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Giwa-Alade revealed the identities of those apprehended: 61-year-old Fagbayi Oluwafemi, 63-year-old Joy Faseyeku, and 64-year-old Alabede Janet.

Giwa-Alade stated that the individuals were arrested on charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, secession, and treasonable felony after they were reportedly found addressing and urging traders at Obada Market in Ikire to support the Yoruba Nation.

The suspects also allegedly encouraged traders to renounce their allegiance to Nigeria.

According to the police spokesperson, “On August 27, 2024, at about 14:00 hours, based on credible information, the DPO of the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ikire and their team arrested one Fagbayi Oluwafemi, 61, a native of Akure, Ondo State, at Obada Market in Ikire. He was addressing traders to embrace and support the Yoruba Nation.

“He also urged the traders to denounce their allegiance to Nigeria, claiming that Nigeria ended in 2014 after 100 years of amalgamation. He displayed the Yoruba Nation’s flag during the process.

“The case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after a preliminary investigation. Through diligent investigation, Joy Faseyeku, 63, and Alabede Janet, 64, were subsequently arrested in Osogbo and Ikire town, respectively, in connection with the crime. Investigation has been concluded, and the suspects have been charged to the Federal High Court.”

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include the Oodua Nation flag, one tripod stand, one megaphone, two mobile phones, handbills, and one baseball cap with the Oodua Nation logo.