Police Launch Manhunt for Sponsor of Yoruba Nation Agitators Involved in Ibadan Invasion

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a search for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, suspected to be a sponsor of the recent invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by Yoruba Nation agitators.

Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, allegedly claimed responsibility for the violence in a viral video.

The agitators, armed and dressed in military camouflage, attempted to breach security at the Oyo State House of Assembly complex but were repelled by security operatives.

Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat has described the invasion as a case of treasonable felony and terrorism, promising that appropriate sanctions will be applied.

Though not directly mentioned by name, Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, acknowledged Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola’s leadership role among the agitators.

During the invasion, the agitators hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.” Police reinforcements later suppressed the violence, leading to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items.

READ ALSO: President Tinubu declares April 7 as National Police Day

Commissioner Hamzat emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s unity and urged parents and leaders to discourage individuals from promoting anarchy.

He confirmed ongoing investigations into the incident, including efforts to uncover the sponsors.

Explaining the sequence of events, the police chief said, “At about 8:55 a.m., information was received that some men, dressed in military-like camouflage and armed with pump-action semi-automatic rifles, were sighted on motorcycles around Olomi and moving into Ibadan.

“At about 9:15 a.m., the hoodlums, later identified as the Yoruba Nation Agitation Group, were traced to the State Secretariat and the premises of the Governor’s Office.

“They hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the creation of a ‘Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.’

“With police reinforcement, the miscreants were warned to disperse. The agitators turned violent and opened fire on the police and a detachment of Amotekun Corps present.”