MICHAEL AKINOLA
Two men, Ashafa Muftaudeen and Shakirudeen Shonekan, were arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations bordering on conspiracy, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms in the Ojo area of Lagos.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the incident was said to have occurred on or before May 6, 2026, at about 0300hrs in Ojo, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants and others still at large conspired amongst themselves to commit felony, to wit unlawful act. The offence was listed as contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In count two, the charge stated that Ashafa Muftaudeen and Shakirudeen Shonekan knowingly and intentionally formed, combined and agreed to form and manage an unlawful society or cult named “Eiye Confraternity” knowing same to be unlawful.
The prosecution said the alleged action contravened Section 2(3)(a)(b)(d)(e) of the Lagos State Laws on Unlawful Societies and Cultism, 2021. The law prohibits the formation, membership, and management of unlawful societies in the state.
Count three alleged that the defendants and others still at large were found in possession of one locally made cut-to-size gun in a public place without satisfactory account of how they came about it.
The prosecution stated that the alleged possession of the firearm is contrary to Section 296 and punishable under Section 298(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In count four, the charge alleged that the defendants and others still at large conspired to commit felony, to wit murder. The offence was listed as punishable under Section 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The matter was handled by officers of the Command Tactical Team Crocodile of the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command. The exhibit and case file were presented in court.
The Legal Police Officer listed on the charge sheet was Cpl. Odusote Adeola. The Team Leader was Inspector Adedokun Olalekan of CPTT, PPL Okokomaiko.
However, 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 their remand 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 advice.
The matter was adjourned for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine the jurisdiction.
Legal observers note that under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The court is expected to hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defence before making any determination.
The matter was adjourned and parties were directed to return to court on the next adjourned date for continuation of proceedings.