Court remands 3 cult members over alleged robbery

An Ilorin magistrate court yesterday remanded three cult members – Shola Waliyu, Azeez Oyekunle and Raheem Ismail – over alleged armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms. The prosecutor, Insp. Jubril Alhassan, told the court that the accused were facing trial on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, belonging to a […]

An Ilorin magistrate court yesterday remanded three cult members – Shola Waliyu, Azeez Oyekunle and Raheem Ismail – over alleged armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

The prosecutor, Insp. Jubril Alhassan, told the court that the accused were facing trial on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, belonging to a gang of thieves, and being members of a cult.

He said the accused were arrested by the police following a tip off that a gang of armed robbers had invaded Ogele community in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Alhassan said a locally-made pistol and some Indian hemp were recovered from the suspects.

According to the prosecutor, investigation revealed that the accused were members of the prohibited “Eiye’’ Confraternity.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Alhassan said the offences contravened Section 6(a), 3(1) Cap R11 of the Robbery and Firearms Law of Nigeria 2004; Section 306 of the Penal Code, and 1(1) of the Secret Society Law of Kwara State (Prohibition) Law, 2013.

He objected to the bail of the accused; urging the court to remand them in prison pending the outcome of the investigation.

Chief Magistrate Ibijoke Olawoyin ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Mandala Prison, Ilorin and adjourned the case to Oct. 16 for mention. (NAN)