21st March, 2011
Nineteen suspected cultists have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogudu, Lagos on a four-count charge of unlawful assembly.
Those docked are Emmanuel Kinsley, 24, Suleiman Babatunde, 34, Adeshina Adegbidi, 34, Isiaka Ogundele, 22, Lucky Ayigbiri, 28, Demola Monsuru, 21, Oyeyemi Damila, 21, Christian Ikenna, 26, Gbenga Elesin, 24 and Taiye Joshua, 21.
Others are Erinle Oluyemi, 32, Adeniyi Ahmed, 19, Sheu Ballo, 31, Jamiu Oyeleye, 24, Etim Cyril, 35, George Nwokocha, 30, Taiye Olajide, 21, James Unajih, 18 and Omolere Ijitola, 27.
The police prosecutor, ASP Eyo Owai, alleged that on 12 March, 2011 at Orita Offin Road in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the acccused, members of the Black Axe Movement, were arrested while holding an unlawful assembly.
When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty and the trial magistrate, Mrs. Aje Afunwa, admitted them on bail in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties each. One of the sureties, she directed, must be a blood relation and up to date in his payment of tax to the Lagos State government.
She adjourned the matter till 6 April, 2011 for mention.
—Oluwatunmise Ige
