MICHAEL AKINOLA
Two suspects have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy and membership of an unlawful society in the Ikotun area of the state.
The suspects, Destiny Nkem, 18, and Sodiq Afolabi, 19, were brought before the court on a two-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on July 20, 2026 at about 2:30AM in the Egan Community area of Ikotun, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that Destiny Nkem, Sodiq Afolabi, and others still at large conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony. The offence is contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count II, the defendants were accused of belonging to the Eiye Confraternity, which was listed as a proscribed unlawful society under Lagos State law. The charge cited Section 2(3)(a)(b)(c)(d) of the Unlawful Societies Prohibition and Cultism Law of Lagos State, 2021.
The case was presented in court by Inspector Iwasokun Olatunbosun on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. The prosecution team also listed SPA Banti Adamu, O/C Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja as part of the investigating officers.
Court documents showed that the matter has received approval from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Office, Ogba, indicating that legal advice had been obtained before arraignment.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted them bail with conditions. The sureties are to show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, while their addresses must be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention. The defendants were remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town pending when they perfect their bail conditions.
Authorities noted that investigations into the case are ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend other persons mentioned as “still at large” in connection with the incident.
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Unlawful Societies Prohibition and Cultism Law, and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities in their communities to the nearest police station. Legal experts say the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction.