Date: 2017-04-20

For their alleged roles in the recent killings in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, four suspected cultists: Kamaldeen Bello, Osusu Ayobami, Abiodun Olarinre and Christopher Ampitan were remanded by the magistrate court, yesterday.

They were charged for criminal conspiracy, being members of secret cult and unlawful possession of firearms contrary to section 97 of Penal Code law, section 2 and punishable under section 14 of secret cult and secret societies (Prohibition) and section 28 (1) of firearm act Cap 146 law of Nigeria.

The First Information Report (FIR) obtained from the court by this medium, revealed that the alleged cultists were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department (CID) following a hint from well-meaning residents of the state.

Also, one Tobi who was described as a notorious member of the Aiye confraternity and others at large were alleged of being the killer of one Mosuru Aremu, a member of Eiye confraternity who was murdered at Ikokoro off Niger Road, on April 6, 2017.

According to the FIR, Mossberg pump action gun with the serial number P959695, eight rounds of live cartridges which Tobi and his members allegedly used to carry out their dastardly act against members of rival group and innocent citizens were recovered.

The prosecutor prayed the court to allow the law take its course on the accused persons saying they should be remanded in prison.

However, counsel to the 1st, 3rd and 4th accused, Barr. Toyin Onaolapo moved a motion for their bail. Also, the counsel for the 2nd accused, Barr. H. O Buhari corroborated Onaolapo but the presiding magistrate, Muhammed Ibrahim, in his ruling, remanded the accused in prison while the case was adjourned till April 25.

Recall that few weeks ago; there had been bloody clashes between the rivalry groups of Aiye and Eiye confraternity in the state capital. The clashes had claimed the lives of eight suspected cultists in the state.