Sales boy, 22, docked over alleged cultism

A 22-year-old sales boy, Obumneme Nwigbo, alleged to be a member of an unlawful society, was on Monday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Nwigbo, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Modupe Olaluwoye told the court that Nwigbo committed the offences at 7 p.m. on June 10, at Unity and Peace Hotel, Epe area of Lagos State.

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Olaluwoye alleged that the defendant was a member of an unlawful society called “Arobaga’’.

“The Police got information about an initiation gathering of members of the secret society, where the defendant was arrested.

“He was arrested in the company of about 10 other men. Some of them even had weapons in their custody.

“My lord, the defendant and his cultist group have been terrorising Epe neighbourhood for years,’’ she said.

According to her, the offences contravene Sections 42 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 42 prescribes a three-year jail term for the offence of belonging to an unlawful society, while Section 411 attracts two years jail term.

Chief Magistrate Oluwatoyin Oghere granted Nwigbo bail in the sum of N30, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Oghere said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant and that both sureties should be gainfully employed.

She directed that the sureties should reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until Sept. 4 for mention.