A 27-year-old man, Iyamu Isaac, was arraigned before a Lagos Magisterial District on Monday over alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership of a proscribed society in Badagry area of Lagos State.
According to the charge sheet, the case was filed by the Commissioner of Police against Iyamu Isaac and others still at large. The prosecution said the incident occurred at Limca Bus Stop, Aradagun area of Badagry, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that on an unspecified date, the defendant and others still at large conspired amongst themselves to commit felony to wit unlawful society and unlawful possession of firearm. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count 2, Iyamu Isaac was alleged to have belonged to a group known as “Bark Vormers”, which is proscribed by law as an unlawful society. The prosecution stated that the act is contrary to and punishable under the Prohibition of Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021.
Under the Lagos State Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism Law 2021, membership of any cult group or unlawful society attracts a jail term of up to 21 years. The law also criminalizes recruitment, harbouring, and aiding of cult members. The government says the law was enacted to curb rising cult-related violence in schools and communities across the state.
In Count 3, the defendant was alleged to have unlawfully had in his possession one locally made cut-to-size gun with two live cartridges without lawful authority. The prosecution said the offence is contrary to Sections 4 and 8 of the Firearms Act, Cap 78, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.
The charge sheet stated that the offence in Count 3 is punishable under Section 27(1) of the Firearms Act, Cap 78, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010. The document was filed by the office of the Commissioner of Police.
The charge sheet was signed by SP Banti Adamu of the Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document is Inspector Amudipe Taiwo.
The Court did not take the plea of the defendant following a motion by the Prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asking the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, ordered his remand in custody at the Correctional Center pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP for advice.
The matter was adjourned for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine the jurisdiction.
Under Nigerian law, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The court is expected to determine the matter based on evidence presented during trial.
Security sources said the Command Tactical Squad has intensified operations in border areas like Badagry to curb cultism and the illegal possession of firearms. Residents of Aradagun have repeatedly called for increased Police presence to address concerns around secret cult activities and related crimes in the area. Community leaders said peace and security remain a priority for businesses and families in Badagry.