The Edo State Police Command has arraigned 12 persons at an Oredo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly belonging to a cult group.
They were accused of belonging to Avarian Organisation (aka Eiye Confraternity), Neo-Black Movement, De Norsemen Kclubb, De Jurist and Bucanneer.
Police prosecutor Sylvester Omor told the court that the suspects were arrested on May 12, last year, at different parts of the state.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor said the offence is punishable under Section 64 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, now applicable to Edo State.
The Magistrate Mrs C. A. Nwoha granted the accused bail for N50,000 with a surety each who must a civil servant and live in Benin, the state capital.
She adjourned the matter till September 7 for hearing.