5 teenage boys arraigned for attempted robbery, cult membership
Five suspected teenage cultists, who allegedly attempted to rob passersby of their belongings, were on Thursday charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The accused — Dayo Saka, 16; Sodiq Atolagba, 17; Raufu Adams, 16; Kehinde Lawal, 16; and Olukosi Fawaj, 16 — whose addresses were not provided, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted robbery and stealing.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The accused committed the offences at Murtala Muhammed Way, Glover Street, Ebute Meta area of Lagos at 2.30 a.m. on June 20, according to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Anthonia Osayande.
Osayande said the accused conspired and attempt to rob people by blocking the road with bamboo trees.
“The accused were caught engaging in cult activities by assembling on the road and and blocking it.”
The offences contravened Sections 42(a), 289(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that membership of an unlawful society (Section 42(a)) carries a penalty of three years imprisonment.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
Nwachukwu said the one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused, while the other surety should be a community leader or a cleric.
In addition, the sureties should provide evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until Aug. 14 for mention.
