Lagos: Three men arraigned for alleged murder, membership in unlawful society 

By Boluwatife Olufemi

Three men, identified as Bolu Wasiu, Nwokochi Chinonso, and Akinstutu Olaleye, have been arraigned before an Ikeja High Court in Lagos for the alleged murder of an individual and their membership in an unlawful society.

The defendants, whose addresses were not disclosed, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the Lagos State Prosecutor, Mrs. Uju Nwogazi, the defendants were apprehended on December 23, 2021, in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos.

Nwogazi stated that Wasiu and Chinonso are accused of murdering a man known only as Jaju by shooting him and striking him on the head with planks.

Furthermore, Nwogazi informed the court that all three defendants are believed to be members of a society called the Eiye Confraternity. The case will proceed as the defendants await trial.

She then moved for a trial date, in view of the plea of the defendants, saying the offences contravened sections 213 and 42 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Kevin Okereke, did not object to the commencement of trial.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala, thereafter, asked Olaleye (the third defendant), how long he had been in custody, to which he said he had been at the Kirikiri Correctional Center for one year and two months.

Justice Ogala then adjourned the matter until Feb. 5, 2024, for trial and ordered the issuance of witness summons.