Man, 25, arraigned over alleged cultism, unlawful possession of Indian Hemp

 A 24-year old man, Popoola Oladiji, was on Thursday arraigned at an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court over alleged cultism and unlawful possession of Indian Hemp.

Oladiji, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of cultism, unlawful possession of Indian Hemp and breach of public peace.

The Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at about 10.00 a.m. on April 26, at Fashina Area, Ile-Ife.

He said that Oladiji paraded himself as a member of a secret cult called Alora Confraternity and disturbed the peace of his neighborhood.

The prosecutor said that the defendant was arrested with Indian Hemp and an unregistered Corrolla Car, 2016 model.

Osanyintuyi said that the offence contravened the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2023.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Earlier, the Defence Counsel, Mr Matins Awe, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal terms.

He promised that his client would produce responsible sureties, and would not jump bail.

Magistrate O.T. Badmus, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like amount.

Badmus said that the surety must swear to an affidavit of means, and should reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He further ordered that the surety must present three years Tax Clearance Certificates and should attach three recent passport photographs.

Badmus adjourned the matter until June 1, for hearing.