MICHAEL AKINOLA
Operatives of the Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters Ikeja have arraigned two men before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over alleged membership of unlawful societies and cultism in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.
The suspects, Babatunde Ayuba Kehinde, 21, and Al-Ameen Noibi, 22, were arraigned on a 3-count charge of conspiracy and membership of proscribed cult groups.
According to the charge sheet, the arrest was carried out by officers of CTSQ-1 Ikeja following intelligence on cult activities in Ibeju-Lekki and environs.
Police prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that the incident occurred on the 18th day of April, 2026, at about 1800hrs at Ibeju-Lekki, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The Prosecutor alleged that the suspects conspired amongst themselves and others now at large to commit felony, to wit: membership of unlawful society.
In Count I, both defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit felony contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, Babatunde Ayuba Kehinde was accused of belonging to Eiye Confraternity, a group proscribed by law as an unlawful society. The offence is punishable under Section 2(3)(a)(b)(c)(d) of Unlawful Society Prohibition and Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021.
In Count III, Al-Ameen Noibi was accused of belonging to Aye Confraternity, also proscribed by law. The charge stated the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 2(3)(a)(b)(c)(d) of Unlawful Society Prohibition and Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021.
The case was filed by SP Bant Adamu of the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Command Tactical SO.1 State Headquarters, Ikeja.
During arraignment before the Magistrate, the defendants were not allowed to take plea due to the nature of the offence.
The prosecutor asked the court to remand the defendants at a correctional centre and refer the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Ogba, for legal advice.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, ordered that the defendants be remanded pending DPP’s advice and adjourned the matter for mention.
The DPP had earlier stamped the charge sheet with “DPP APPROVED”, indicating prosecution will proceed subject to legal advice. The Lagos State Government in 2021 amended the anti-cultism law to impose stiffer penalties including up to 21 years imprisonment for cult members and life imprisonment for anyone who causes death during cult activities. Police authorities urged residents of Ibeju-Lekki and other communities to report suspicious cult gatherings to the nearest Police station or call 112 for emergency response.
Legal experts say the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.