Police Charge 3 Men To Court Over Firearms Possession & Alleged Unlawful Society Membership

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A Lagos Magistrate Court charge sheet dated April 8, 2026, has listed three men for arraignment over allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership of a proscribed group.

 

The document marked Charge No. /2076 named the Commissioner of Police as complainant against Emmanuel Anike, Okechukwu Ezeigbo, and Oboba Great Oghenedolo.

 

According to the charge, the incident allegedly occurred on April 8, 2026, at about 3:30pm in the Ishashi area of Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

 

The charge sheet stated that the defendants and others still at large were apprehended during an operation by Police Tactical officers.

 

Count I of the charge accused the three men of conspiracy to commit felony. The prosecution alleged they conspired amongst themselves to commit offences including unlawful possession of firearms and belonging to an unlawful society. This is said to be punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

 

Count II focused on possession of a weapon. The charge sheet alleged that on the same date, time, and place, 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 firearm.

 

Possession of firearms without lawful authority is prohibited under Lagos State law. The charge states this offence is punishable under Section 330(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The pistol and cartridges were listed as exhibits in the case file.

 

Count III related to membership of a proscribed group.The prosecution alleged the three men belong to the Vikings Confraternity, also known as Arobaga. The group is described in the charge as a proscribed unlawful society in Lagos State.

 

Membership of cult groups is banned in Lagos under the Unlawful Societies and Cultism Law of 2021. The charge sheet cites Sections 11(a)(b)(c)(d) of that law as the basis for this count. Police said belonging to such groups is an offence regardless of other criminal activity.

 

The charge sheet was prepared by SP Banti Adamu of the Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja. The prosecutor listed for the matter is ASP Alegbe Monday. The complainant on record is the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. The document also indicated “others still at large” in connection with the case. This suggests Police believe additional suspects may be involved in the incident at Ishashi. Investigations are expected to continue alongside the court process.

 

The Court did not take their plea after the prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, ordered the defendants remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP for legal advice.

 

It is important to note that a charge sheet contains allegations made by the prosecution. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The court will hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defense before making any judgment.

 

The case highlights ongoing Police operations against illegal firearms and cult-related activities in Lagos communities. Residents in Ishashi and nearby areas are often urged to provide information to the Police through official channels if they notice suspicious activity. The matter is expected to come up for proceedings on the next adjourned date set by the court.