Two suspected cultists have been arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for their alleged membership in the notorious Eiye Confraternity.
The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, arraigned two suspected cultists before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan for their alleged membership in an illegal association. The defendants, whose addresses were omitted from the official charge sheet, face a two-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society known across the region as the Eiye Confraternity.
Appearing before Magistrate Mrs. Gladys Olanrewaju, the accused individuals entered a plea of not guilty to both counts. The police prosecution team maintained that the duo was caught actively participating in activities that undermine public safety and directly violate the security laws governing the state.
“The duo and others now at large unlawfully gathered in a meeting of the confraternity and had a blue beret as their symbol.”- Insp. Samuel Owolabi, Police Prosecutor
Presenting the case for the state, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Samuel Owolabi, informed the court that the defendants committed the alleged offenses on June 7, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m. within the Apata neighborhood of the capital city.
Acting on intelligence reports regarding unauthorized assemblies, police operatives raided the location where they intercepted the group. Operatives recovered the confraternity’s signature blue beret, along with other cult regalia, at the scene of the meeting.
According to the prosecution, the actions of the defendants contravened the provisions of Sections 62, 64(a), and 516 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000, which heavily criminalize secret cult associations. The table below details the specific legislative sections invoked by the state command for this arraignment:
Defense counsel filed a formal application for bail, urging the court to release the defendants under liberal conditions while awaiting trial. In her ruling, Magistrate Olanrewaju admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two reliable sureties in like sum. She directed that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide verifiable proof of tax payments to the Oyo State Government. The case was subsequently adjourned until July 29, 2026, for a full evidentiary hearing.
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