3 docked in Lagos over alleged cultism

Three men, were on Wednesday brought before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged membership of an unlawful society – Aiye confraternity.

The accused: Adewale Sodiq, 27, Jayeola Shola, 28, and Babayale Adebisi, 35, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 23, at10.15p.m. at Mile 12 area of Lagos.

Ihiehie said the police arrested the accused on a tipoff that a group of boys was disturbing the peace of the community.

He said the accused paraded themselves as members of Aiye confraternity, adding that the case was transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, on Aug. 24.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened Sections 41, 160(d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety in like sum.

Kubeinje ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case has been adjourned until Oct. 10 for mention.

Our correspondent reports that seven men had earlier on the same day appeared before an Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ogun equally over membership of Aiye confraternity.

The accused, aged from 21 to 28, were charged with breach of peace, unlawful possession of firearms and belonging to a secret cult.

They, however, pleaded not guilty, and were granted bail by Chief Magistrate Matthew Akinyemi in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each.