Fawaz Adebisi
The Ogun State Police Command has arraigned 38 suspects before the Special Anti-Cultism Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, over alleged cultism, prostitution and offences capable of causing a breach of public peace.
The defendants, according to court documents obtained by PLATFORM TIMES, comprise 24 men and 14 women arrested during a police raid on Wazobia Brothel located in Isheri Olofin via Kara-Warewa in the Abeokuta Magisterial District.
The police alleged that the male defendants are members of the proscribed Aiye Confraternity and conspired to engage in cult-related activities, contrary to the provisions of the Ogun State Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation of Landed Property, Armed Robbery, Cultism, Kidnapping and Other Anti-Violence and Related Offences Law.
According to the charge sheet, the suspects unlawfully assembled at the brothel, smoked substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and allegedly participated in activities connected with the initiation of new members into the cult group.
The prosecution further argued that the alleged acts were capable of causing a breach of public peace.
The 14 female defendants were, however, separately charged with conspiracy to commit prostitution.
The prosecution alleged that the women operated as inmates of the brothel, received proceeds from prostitution and engaged in conduct amounting to public nuisance, contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code of Ogun State.
When the charges were read before the court presided over by Mrs. O.T. Odunbanjo, all the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The court admitted each of the 38 defendants to bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety each and adjourned the matter for further hearing.
Court records further revealed that the prosecution is part of the Ogun State Police Command’s ongoing anti-cultism crackdown across the state.
The records showed that other suspects arrested in separate operations, including those linked to Operation Kosoye, are also facing prosecution before the Special Anti-Cultism Court on similar allegations.
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