3 Men Docked Over Alleged Firearms Possession And Cultism In Lagos

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Three men were on Monday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and membership of a proscribed cult group.

The defendants were Emmanuel Anike, Okechukwu Ezeigbo, 34, and Oboba Great Oghenedolo, 26. Another suspect is said to be at large.

According to the charge sheet marked A/2076, the Commissioner of Police is prosecuting the defendants on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and belonging to an unlawful society.

The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed on April 8, 2026 at about 3:30pm in the Ishashi area of Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

In the first count, the Police alleged that the defendants conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit unlawful possession of firearms and belonging to an unlawful society. The offence is contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The second count alleged that the defendants were found in possession of one locally made pistol with nine live cartridges. The prosecution said they could not give a satisfactory account of how they came about the items.

The offence is said to be punishable under Section 330(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In the third count, the defendants were accused of belonging to Vikings Confraternity, also known as Arobaga, which is a proscribed group under Lagos State law.

The charge stated that the act contravened Section 2(a)(b)(c)(d) of the Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Law of Lagos State, 2021.

The case was handled by SP Banti Adamu of the Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja. The IPO listed on the charge sheet is ASP Alegbe Monday.

However, they pleaded guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, then asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted the request and the defendants to be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending the DPP’s report, which will determine the jurisdiction.

Legal experts note that every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Lagos Police Command has urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.