Court Remands Suspect Over Alleged Cultism, Illegal Firearms Possession

Thirty-two-year old Atoyebi Olamide has been remanded in Ilesa correctional center over alleged illegal possession of firearms and alleged membership of a cult.

He was arraigned by the Police before an Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo on Wednesday on a five-count charge on conspiracy to commit felony, unlawful possession of firearm, and breach of peace.

Atoyebi, a bricklayer by profession, was arrested by a team of combined policemen led by Lukman Afolabi of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the State police command, under the leadership of CSP Gabriel Oluwasesin.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Fatoba Temitope, Atoyebi and others, now at large, on July 27, 2022, at Agunbelewo area of Osogbo, were found in possession of firearms and cartridges, which is an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

The suspect was also accused of engaging in an unlawful membership of Aiye Confraternity and unleashing terror on residents of Osogbo and its environs and in the process, causing palpable fear and breach of peace.

The prosecution added that one locally made cut-to-size barrel and two live cartridges were found in possession of the defendant, which he could not give a satisfactory account of.

According to the police prosecutor, the offences contravened Section 4 and were punishable under Section 27(1) b (1) of the Firearms Act Cap 1.28 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2004. W.

It also contravened Sections 516, 64 and 249 (d)of the Criminal Code cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the five counts levelled against him.

Counsel to the defendant, Olatunbosun Oladipupo, in an oral bail application, prayed the court to admit him to bail in the most liberal terms, which was not granted.

In his ruling, Magistrate A.A. Adeyeba ordered the remand of Atoyebi in Ilesa correctional facility.

He also adjourned the case till September 2, 2022, for mention when a formal bail application for the defendant will be heard.