Three Men Face Murder and Cultism Charges in Lagos Court
A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of three men at the Kirikiri Correctional facility for their alleged involvement in murder and membership of an unlawful society.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala gave the order on Monday after the defendants - Wasiu Akinwande (popularly known as Olori Eso), Qudus Egbere, and Sola Edun Tomiwa - were arraigned by the Lagos State government.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The defendants faced a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and allegations of belonging to an unlawful society. According to the prosecution, their offences violate Sections 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, and the Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Law of Lagos State, 2021.
During the arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Mr A. O Azeez, informed the court that the state had filed an amended charge dated November 10, 2025 and urged the court to take the defendants' plea.
The defendants' counsel, Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku and Mr. M.D Obadeyi, did not oppose the arraignment. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts charged against them.
Bail Application Denied
Following their plea, the counsel for the second defendant made an oral request for his client to continue on administrative bail. However, Justice Ogala declined the request and directed the lawyer to file a formal bail application.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants - Qudus Egbere, Wasiu Akinwande, and others still at large - conspired to murder one Bolanle Yusuf on July 31, 2024, at about 11:00 hours at Moshalashi Street, Mushin in Lagos State.
The state further alleged that the defendants used machetes and guns to commit the crime and that they unlawfully belong to the Eiye Confraternity. On the same day and location, they were accused of conspiring to commit felony with the murder of Yusuf Ramadan.
Case Adjourned for Trial
Prosecution counsel Azeez requested a trial date, and Justice Ogala subsequently adjourned the case to January 19, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The court's decision to remand the defendants at Kirikiri Correctional facility underscores the seriousness with which the Lagos State judiciary is treating cases of violent crime and unlawful society activities.
