Two men accused of involvement in cult-related activities were on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos to answer charges bordering on conspiracy and membership of a prohibited organisation.
The defendants, Ganiyu Giwa, 26, and Adeleke Ayomide, 24, whose residential details were not disclosed in court, were arraigned on a two-count charge.
Both men pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Presenting the case, the prosecutor, Inspector Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendants, alongside other suspects still at large, allegedly conspired to commit the offences on April 20 at Lagos Island.
She further alleged that the two men were members of the Aiye confraternity, a group banned under the laws of Lagos State.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences violate Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, as well as provisions of the Unlawful Societies Prohibition and Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021.
After listening to the submissions, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N500,000, with two responsible sureties required in the same amount.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 30 for the continuation of legal proceedings, as the court moves to determine the allegations brought against the defendants.