By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

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A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Akure has remanded a suspected cultist, Abdul Moshood, for allegedly being a member of the Aiye confraternity.

 According to the state prosecutor, N.J. Osele, the defendant committed the offense on or about January 6, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m. in Owo, Ondo State.

 The prosecutor informed the court that the defendant confessed to being a member of the Aiye confraternity, a prohibited secret cult. The offense contravenes Section 1(1) of the Cultism and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, Cap 39, Volume 2, Laws of Ondo State.

 However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. Osele filed a remand application and also requested a date to enable him to study the case file.

 The defense counsel, Onu, did not object to the application made by the prosecuting counsel.

 However, he applied for bail on behalf of his client, assuring the court that his client would not abscond and would provide credible sureties.

 Presiding Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

 However, the defendant was unable to meet his bail conditions and was remanded at Olokuta Correctional Center, Akure.

 The case was adjourned until February 24, 2025, for hearing.