Thirteeen suspected cultists, who allegedly murdered two men before dumping their bodies in a river, were on Thursday in Lagos remanded in Ikoyi Prisons.
An Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court which rejected their plea, said they should be kept behind bars pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The accused are: Ismail Bello, 26; Shola Jaiyeola, 28; Kabiru Wahab, 23; Akeem Adeyemo, 36; Monsuru Ojopagogon, 29; David Lasisi, 35 and Bayo Bakare, 30.
Others are Daniel Yosue, 30; Ademola Ayelabowo, 27; Joshua Udoh, 20; Daniel Adeyemi, 28; Saheed Mohammed, 25; and Wasiu Aborisade, 40.
The 13 accused are facing a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, membership of unlawful society, breach of peace and causing grievous harm.
According to the prosecutor, Iyobosa Onaiwu, the offences were committed on September 27 at about 9.00 p.m. at Maidan Junction, Mile 12, Lagos.
Two of the accused — Messrs. Mohammed and Adeyemi — allegedly killed Tunde and Okesola Yusuf before dumping their bodies in the Maidan River in Mile 12, he said.
Mr. Onaiwu said the accused, believed to be members of Eye Confraternity and Federal Boys cult, had been terrorising the public and dispossessing them of their valuables.
Among the dangerous weapons found in their possession were a jack knife, cutlasses and matchets.
“Olalekan Olatoye was stabbed on the abdomen, while the throat of Babatunde Rilwan was slit,’’ the prosecutor said.
Mr. Onaiwu noted that the offences violated Sections 41, 42, 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused may be sentenced to life imprisonment on conviction.
The Magistrate, Ope-Agbe adjourned the case to November 16.
(NAN)