Seven suspected cultists, who allegedly robbed a man of his phone and cash worth N73,000 at knife point, were on Wednesday arraigned by the police at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The defendants are: Sunday Stephen, 36; Hassan Terrang, 26; Hassan James, 34; Adelaja Ariyo, 48; Anthony Ojukwu, 33; Bitrus Abednego, 22 and Lucky Anzaku, 20.
They are standing trial before Mrs. A. M. Davies on an eight-count charge of conspiracy, robbery, stealing and assault.
Prosecuting Inspector Ruben Solomon alleged that the defendants and their accomplices committed the offences from June 19 to 22, between 8:40pm and 3am at Bush Bar, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Solomon alleged that the defendants were members of the Arobaga and Aiye cults.
The court heard that the defendants robbed the complainant, Bright Chimezie, of his Infinix phone valued at N65,000 and a sum of N8,000 at knife point.
“The defendants, while parading themselves as members of Arobaga and Aiye confraternities, also unlawfully assaulted the complainant with weapons.
“They were also found polluting the atmosphere by smoking substances suspected to be Indian hemp and made the environment harmful to the health of the public.
“They also prevented the public from carrying out lawful businesses in the area,” Solomon said.
According to him, the offences contravened sections 41, 164(a), 170, 287 (1), 296(2) and 411of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Each defendant pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Davies granted each man N50,000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum among other conditions.
The case continues on July 31.