Edo Special Court remands 2 over alleged cultism, firearms offences

Benin: The Edo Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin on Thursday ordered the remand of two men, Owen Osarumwense, 42, and Austine Oshumogo, 29, in a correctional centre over alleged cultism.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the police prosecutor, Polycarp Odion.

After citing relevant provisions of the law, Odion urged the court to remand the suspects for an initial period of 14 days pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Edo State Ministry of Justice.

Odion told the court that Osarumwense, on November 15, 2009, at Ekiadolor Community within the Benin Judicial Division, allegedly conspired with others now at large to commit a felony.

He further alleged that Osarumwense is a member of the Supreme Eiye confraternity.

The prosecutor also alleged that Oshumogo, on March 24 within the Benin Judicial Division, conspired with others now at large to commit a felony.

According to him, Oshumogo is also a member of the Supreme Eiye confraternity, was in unlawful possession of firearms, and had control of a locally made cut-to-size gun.

He added that Oshumogo allegedly robbed one Samson Yemisi of an Itel and a Tecno mobile phone while armed with a gun.

Odion said the defendants are facing a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and armed robbery.

He stated that the alleged offences contravene Section 412(2) of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022; Section 3(2) of the Secret Cult and Other Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025; Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 3(1) of the same Act.

The presiding judge, Justice Terry Momodu, granted the application and ordered the remand of the defendants.

The case was adjourned to July 15.