Wanted cult leader finally nabbed, remanded in prison

A notorious cult leader allegedly terrorizing Shomolu and its environs was on Monday charged before an Ebutte Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos.

Ibrahim Oriyomi Balogun, popularly called Small Jpron, is allegedly the brain behind a lot of crimes in the area, the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), of Lagos State Police Command, Panti-Yaba, told the court.

Balogun who was accused of killing two people was arrested late last year, but managed to escape from detention but was however rearrested and charged to court.

The 35 years old suspected cultist, was charged before Chief Magistate Oluwayemisi Adelaja (Mrs.) Court, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, possession of firearms and belonging to Eiye Confraternity, an outlawed secret society.

Though, his plea was not taken. But Chief Magistate Adelaja has ordered that the suspected cult leader be remanded in Prison’s custody, pending when the Direction of Public Prosecution (DPP), will issue a legal advice on the charges against him. The matter has been adjourned till April 7, 2017, for DDP’s advice.

In the charge marked D/22/17, the suspect in connivance with members of his group who are now at large, sometimes in January 2016, at Shomolu, conspired among themselves to commit murder.

During the period mentioned, he was also alleged to have killed one Whipper, by hitting him with a plank on his head. He was also killed one Lekan, by shooting him with a gun on his chest.

He was also alleged to belong to an unlawful society called Eiye Confraternity. And having in his possession a gun without license from appropriate authority, with intent to use it to commit offence.

The Offences according to the prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, are contrary and punishable under Sections 223, 42(1) (a) and 298(3) of the Criminal Laws Cap. Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

The suspect, who was formerly arrested and charged before the court sometimes in August 2016, was said to have escaped from detention late last year.

He was however rearrested by the police late last month and charged before the court.