8 men face trial for alleged cultism, breach of peace

Eight suspected cult members, who allegedly disturbed public peace by attacking themselves, on Monday, appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos .

The accused are, Edward Akpanke, 24; Francis Effiong, 28; Israel Nwankwo, 36; Seun Ogundare, 28; Jadesinoni Amzat, 33; Emmanuel Okon, 29; Segun Olawunmi, 50; and Tunde Omodara, 40 .

The men, who are facing a two-count charge of breach of pubic peace and membership of a secret society, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Police Prosecutor, Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the accused committed the offences with some others still at large on Nov. 9 at about 9.30 p.m. at Elemero in Ajah, Lagos.

Ihiehie alleged that the accused, who belonged to “Eiye Confraternity”, a secret society, assembled in a hideout at Elemero and conducted themselves in a manner inimical to peace by smoking Indian hemp among other things.

“Some neighbours in the area reported the incident to the police,” he said.

He said the accused were caught while some others escaped.

The offences contravened Sections 42 (a) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In her ruling, the magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety each in like sum.

Kubeinje said the sureties should reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should be gainfully employed.

In addition, the sureties should show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

The case has been adjourned until Jan. 8.