Two teenagers remanded over cultism

Our Reporter

An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun State has remanded two teenagers, Yemisi Moses, 18, Blessing Damilola, 18, and a man, Adebayo Adegboyega, 25, for alleged membership of a secret society.

Prosecuting Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi alleged that the defendants committed the offence on December 29, 2019 around 2pm at Orilonise, Ile-Ife.

He alleged that the defendants unlawfully belonged to a secret society called Eiye Confraternity, while disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of Ile-Ife.

Osanyintuyi added that the defendants also had in their possession quantity of substance suspected to be Indian hemp weighing 20kg, which they were allegedly selling.

He said that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner that might cause breach of public peace.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened sections 3, 4, 62(A), 63(B) and 249(D) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of possession of Indian hemp, membership of secret society and breach of public peace.

Defence counsel Mr. Ben Adidieje applied for the bail of his clients in most liberal term, assuring that the defendants would not jump bail, but would provide substantial sureties.

Magistrate Mr. Joseph Owolawi, however, refused them bail, but ordered for their remand at Ilesa Correctional Centre, pending the rule on bail.

He adjourned the case till January 7.