Osogbo—Tensuspected cultists and a landlord were Mondy arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for alleged membership of a secret society called ‘Aye’.

The landlord, Ajisebiyawo Abiodun, 52, was alleged to have hosted the meeting by suspects in his house in July in Iree town.

The suspects are Fash Rasak, 32; Awe Tayo, 25; Moses Akinwale, 21; Afeez Opeyemi, 20 and Mutiu Rasak, 22.

Others are Christopher Nmokuro, 26; Olayinka Shola, 22; Salau Wasiu, 20; Oladimeji Olamilekan, 19 and Timothy Odeniji, 20.

Police Prosecutor Suleiman Olorukooba told the court that the accused were on July 30 at about 10:30 p.m. in Iree found with an axe where they were holding the unlawful meeting.

Olorukooba said police investigation showed that the accused allegedly belonged to the ‘Aye’ secret cult.

He also alleged that Abiodun knowingly allowed the unlawful meeting of the cultists to be held in his house.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 516, 64 (a/b) and 80 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2003.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge, and were granted bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety each in like sum.

Magistrate Olusola Aluko said the sureties should reside within the jurisdiction of the court and added that each of them should provide two clear passport-size photographs and three years tax clearance certificates.

The case was adjourned to Sept. 7 for further hearing.

Meanwhile, 14 suspected cult members have been arrested at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Media Relations Officer of the Institution, Mr Tope Abiola, has said.