Eight individuals have been charged before an Akure Magistrate Court in connection with this month’s cult-related killings in Owo, Ondo State.
Among the victims were Fisayo Oladipo, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owo, along with a mother and her child, bringing the death toll to five.
In response to the violence, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa imposed a curfew from dawn to dusk to prevent further reprisals.
The accused include Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), Bisi Gbenga (25), and Esther Gbenga (20).
They face charges of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of stolen vehicles.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, revealed that the offences occurred on January 6, 7, and 8, 2025, around 10:30 a.m. in Owo.
He further stated that the suspects are members of the Alora and Aye cult groups. According to Akintimehin, Ojo and Bero were found with a double-barrel shotgun and nine cartridges.
The accused are charged under several sections of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006, and the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2006.
Due to a lack of jurisdiction, the court did not take the suspects’ pleas. The prosecutor requested their remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, defense counsel, led by Daniel Onu, requested an adjournment to allow the defendants to file counter-affidavits.
Magistrate Sunday Adedapo granted the adjournment to January 28, 2025, and accepted the defense’s request.
Bisi and Esther Gbenga were granted bail of N500,000 each, with a surety in like sum, while the other defendants remain in police custody until the next hearing.
