Seven suspected cultists arraigned in Osun

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

Seven suspected cultists were on Monday arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court over unlawful gathering and possession on Indian hemp.

The suspects are; Seyi Ibrahim, 21, Kabiru Adekunle, 35, Abiodun Omotosho, 41, Adebayo Temidayo, 35, Adeyemi Olamilekan, 23, Olabode Ayodeji, 22 and Rafiu Raji, 37.

The suspects who pleaded not guilty were arraigned on a six count charge for allegedly being members of a secret cult known as ‘Aiye’ confraternity and being in possession of cannabis sativa(Indian hemp).

The accused persons committed the offences on July 7 at 4:30 p.m. along Agbunbelewo area in Osogbo.

The prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye told the court that the accused persons conspired among themselves to engage in an unlawful gathering by being members of ‘Aiye’ secret cult.

He said they were also in possession of cannabis sativa, also  known as Indian hemp, when  the police raided their hideouts and from where they were apprehended.

The offences committed contravened Sections 516, 63, 430 , 243 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 , Vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The Defence Counsel, Messrs, Idris Shuaibu and Okobie Najite, prayed the court to grant their clients bail in the most liberal terms.

The magistrate, Mr Abiona Adebayo granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500, 000 with one surety each in like sum .

Adebayo said that the sureties must be  residing within the court’s jurisdiction, swear to affidavit of means with their  passport photographs attached.

The case was adjourned till September 15 for hearing.