Alleged cultist arraigned for killing four

The police have arraigned 28-year-old suspected cultist, Adigun Oriyomi, before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court for allegedly being responsible for the death of four people during several cult clashes in the Mushin area of Lagos. Read more

It was learnt that Oriyomi led his gang in the Black Axe to confront a rival cult group, on 30 August, 2013.

In the ensuing gun battle, two men – Henry Omonmhenle and Ashy Somade – were killed.

Two other persons, Toheeb Sodiq and Fatai Maja, allegedly sustained permanent gun injury after they were hit in the leg.

It was learnt that after the incident, the Divisional Police Officer was alerted and his men raided the scene of the fight.

Investigation was said to have led to the arrest of Oriyomi.

PUNCH Metro had reported on September 9, that the defendant had in the past, been arrested by the police, charged with murder before another Magistrate’s Court and released through the help of some influential members of the community.

The police told the court on Monday that although the defendant was not arrested with any weapon, he was identified by witnesses and had further made confessional statements.

The six counts read in part, “That you, Adigun Oriyomi, and others at large, on  August 30, 2013, at about 0045hrs, at Martins Street, by Akinyemi Junction, Mushin, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony, to wit; murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.

“That you, Adigun Oriyomi, and others at large, on 30 July, 2013 at about 2130hrs, at 43, Ikorodu Road, Jibowu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, did attempt to unlawfully kill one Fatai Maja, by shooting him with a gun in the leg and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 228 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.”

His plea was not taken for the murder charges.

Oriyomi, who appeared in court in a white top and blue jeans, did not have any legal representation.

The prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuyi, while making application for his remand, said Oriyomi confessed to killing two other people.

He said, “The defendant made a confessional statement that apart from the deceased, he had equally killed one Musibau and one Jummy in 2010, when they had a confraternity conflict in Mushin.

“It is because of these facts that I apply that the defendant be remanded in prison custody sequel to Section 264(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice, Lagos State, 2011.”

The magistrate, Mrs Y.B Okusanya-Badejo, remanded the defendant in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The matter was adjourned till November 19.

 by Samson Folarin

CULLED FROM PUNCH NEWSPAPER