NAN-H-24
Cult
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Feb. 27, 2017 (NAN) Four persons including two teenagers on Monday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over alleged membership of a cult known as “Awawa Confraternity’’.
The accused — Leke Ogunlowo, 22, a welder; Balogun Jalud, 18, factory worker; Adams Bashiru, 18, a printer; and Azeez Karimu, 20, a motorcyclist — all residents of Agege, a Lagos suburb.
They are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, membership of a secret cult, assault and unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.
They, however, denied the charges, saying they are framed up.
But the prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, insisted that the accused with others still at large committed the offences on Feb. 6 at Isale-Oja, Agege area of Lagos at about 8.30 p.m.
“They were caught engaging in acts similar to that of a secret cult, terrorising innocent citizens.
“The accused before their arrests are known for carrying out criminal activities, causing unrest in the area,” he alleged.
He also alleged that they attacked a man, Alasela Rilwan, with a cutlass.
“The accused persons attacked the complainant by using a cutlass to cut his left leg.
“Among dangerous weapons in their possession are cutlasses, iron rods, axe, knives and weeds suspected to be hemp.
The offences contravened Sections 42, 52, 244 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sections 42 and 244 stipulate three years for membership of an unlawful society and inflicting wound, while Sections 52 and 409 provide a two-year jail term.
Chief Magistrate Omolade Awope granted each of the accused N200,000 bail with two sureties each.
She said the sureties must either be blood relation or a gainfully employed person of not less than Grade Level 8 with an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned to March 8 for trial. (NAN)
LAW/EOB/DA
Edited by Edith Bolokor/Dele Akinsola