By Kayode Adeoti
Two suspected members of the Eiye confraternity were remanded in prison custody on Monday by the magistrate court, sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
The suspects, Kamaldeen Ibrahim and Samuel Esorun, who both reside at Offa Garage area, are 38 and 18 years old respectively.
The Police First Information Report revealed that they were initiated into the confraternity in 2000 and 2017 respectively.
They were however charged to court for criminal conspiracy and being member of a secret cult contrary to section 97 of Penal Code law and section punishable under section 14 of Secret Cult and Secret Societies (Prohibition Law) 2016.
The police FIR revealed that the duo were arrested at their hideout in Offa Garage area following information received by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID).
Investigation conducted by the security operatives also stated that Ibrahim who is also called Gaji with his cohort were members of the notorious Eiye confraternity.
The FIR noted that investigation is still ongoing to arrest other members of the group who are at large.
The prosecutor, Inspector Al-Hassan Jubril prayed the court for an adjournment date, saying the matter is still under investigation.
He also objected the bail of the accused persons premising his reason on the fact that the offence in the FIR is a serious one which is not ordinarily bailable.
He submitted further that the court lacks jurisdiction to try the matter saying it requires department of Public Prosecution of the Ministry of Justice advice.
The accused persons counsel, Omotosho Gobir however approached the court for the bail of his clients orally. “We submit that in an application of this nature, the court have the discretion to either admit or refuse the bail of the accused. This court should exercise its discretionary power in favour of the accused,” he submitted.
He urged the court to strike out the submission of the prosecutor that the offence is not bailable. According to him, the offence leveled against the accused are bailable and not capital in nature. The offences are outside the jurisdiction of the court.
He said, “Refusing their bail will be tantamount to Pre-trial punishment when the accused are still presumed innocent.
Magistrate I.O Olawoyin in his ruling remanded the accused persons in prison while the matter is adjourned to 31st May, 2018.
