Two Arraigned Over Alleged Membership Of Proscribed Group In Ikorodu

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A Lagos Magistrate Court has arraigned two men, David Omoseyin, 36, and Aliyu Olatunji, 38, over alleged conspiracy and membership of a proscribed unlawful society.

The defendants were arraigned on Wednesday before Magistrate L.A Owolabi in the Lagos Magisterial District by the Commissioner of Police. The prosecution was led by SP Josephine Ihkayere.

They are facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony and belonging to an unlawful society, alongside others who are now at large.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja, the defendants allegedly committed the offences on July 4, 2026, at about 8:15 p.m. at Chillers Hotel, along Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos.

The first count alleges that Omoseyin, Olatunji and others at large conspired amongst themselves to commit felony, to wit: membership of unlawful society, contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The second count alleges that on the same date, time and place, the defendants belonged to a group identified as Bye confraternity, which is proscribed by law as an unlawful society, contrary to Section 2(3)(a)(b)(c)(d) of the Unlawful Societies Prohibition and Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021.

When the charge was read to them, both defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Ihkayere, told the court that the prosecution would be calling witnesses to prove its case and requested an adjournment for trial. She did not oppose bail but asked the court to impose conditions that would guarantee the defendants’ appearance in court.

Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Owolabi granted each defendant bail with two sureties.

The court held that the sureties must produce credible evidence of means of livelihood and show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The magistrate further ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri town, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The case was investigated by Inspector Akhidenor Augustine of the Command Tactical Team Squad-1, Ikeja, under the supervision of SP Banti Adamu, the Officer-in-Charge of the squad.

The matter has been adjourned for mention to enable the defendants to perfect their bail and for hearing.

Lagos State has continued to enforce its anti-cultism law as part of efforts to curb cult-related violence, especially in areas like Ikorodu which have witnessed recurring clashes linked to rival groups.

The Unlawful Societies Prohibition and Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021, prescribes stiff punishments for persons convicted of belonging to proscribed societies, as well as for those who aid them.

The police command has repeatedly cautioned operators of hotels and relaxation centres against allowing their premises to be used for unlawful assembly, warning that such negligence could attract investigation.

Under Nigerian law, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution is required to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Meanwhile, the police have reiterated their commitment to tackling cultism and urged residents to volunteer timely information to security agencies.