Seven remanded over alleged cultism in Benue

Seven individuals have been remanded in a correctional facility by a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly belonging to a secret cult. The defendants, who reside in the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue, were charged with criminal conspiracy and membership in an unlawful society. The police had received a case on February 15 via a signal at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, stating that the men of Operation Zenda JTF, led by ASP. Yusuf Isah had raided a criminal hideout in Gboko town on a tip-off.

The team reportedly arrested Ordue Iorhen, Tyokula Aondongu, Terungwa Aju, Ushahemba Asemaer, Yongubee Iorhuna, Tyona Num, and Sunday Shaapera, who were accused of being members of the black axe confraternity terrorizing Gboko residents. However, the Magistrate, Roseline Iyorshe, did not take their plea for want of jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until April 11, 2023, for further mention.

According to the prosecution counsel, Inspector Godwin Ato, the defendants' offences contravened sections 97 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004, and 11(2) of the Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult, and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017. The court has ordered the remand of the seven persons in custody until their next court appearance.

Secret cult activities are illegal in Nigeria, with several states enacting laws prohibiting their activities. Cult groups are known to engage in violent activities such as killings, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in various parts of the country. The Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies have been actively involved in combating cultism and other criminal activities in Nigeria. The police have also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities to help in the fight against cultism and other criminal activities.