- Fagbuyi Oluwafemi (61), Joy Faseyeku (63), and Alabede Janet (64) were apprehended by the police at Obada Market in Ikire, Osun State
- Police seized an Oodua Nation flag, a megaphone, and handbills during the arrests, indicating a planned campaign
- The suspects have been charged to a Federal High Court after a thorough investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department
Osun State police have paraded three suspected Yoruba nation agitators following their arrest for allegedly advocating a secession agenda.
The suspects, Fagbuyi Oluwafemi (61), Joy Faseyeku (63), and Alabede Janet (64), were apprehended at Obada Market in Ikire, located in the Irewole local government area of Osun State.
According to a statement from the acting Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, the suspects were caught promoting the Yoruba nation and encouraging market traders to reject their allegiance to Nigeria.
During the arrest, police reportedly seized several items, including an Oodua Nation flag, a tripod, a megaphone, two mobile phones, handbills, and a cap inscribed with messages supporting the Yoruba nation.
Fagbuyi Oluwafemi, a native of Akure in Ondo State, was particularly noted for addressing traders in the market on August 27, urging them to embrace the Yoruba nation and claiming that Nigeria ceased to exist as a unified entity in 2014, after its 100 years of amalgamation.
His statements and the display of the Yoruba Nation flag were significant factors leading to his arrest.
After preliminary investigations, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. As investigations progressed, Faseyeku and Janet were also apprehended in Osogbo and Ikire town, respectively, in connection with the activities of the group.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, the suspects have been charged to the Federal High Court, where they will face legal proceedings regarding their alleged involvement in promoting secessionist sentiments.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the calls for the Yoruba nation and raises concerns about the implications of such movements within Nigeria.
The police have vowed to continue monitoring activities that threaten national unity.
No light, no food, no fuel: Yoruba elders urge Tinubu to address immediate needs of Nigerians
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) had delivered an urgent message to President Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that Nigerians were "suffering deeply" under his administration.
The council urged the president to prioritise addressing the immediate needs of the populace before pursuing long-term goals.
