In a significant ruling, a Special Anti-Cultism Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced two men, Moruf Okusanya, 40, and Babatunde Gafar, 33, to seven years in prison each for conspiracy and membership in unlawful societies. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, following a thorough examination of the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The court found the defendants guilty on a four-count charge, asserting that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Magistrate O.L. Oke, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of the offences, which included participation in violent cult activities that disrupted public peace.

The prosecution, led by ASP Olaide Rawlings, outlined the circumstances surrounding the arrests of Okusanya and Gafar, which occurred during a violent clash at the Ikenne Town Hall on October 23, 2023. Rawlings informed the court that both men had conspired with additional individuals, who are currently at large, to engage in activities associated with unlawful societies. Specifically, Okusanya was identified as a member of the Eiye Confraternity, while Gafar was linked to the Alora Confraternity.

The prosecutor argued that the actions of the defendants not only violated various sections of the Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation of Landed Properties, Armed Robbery, Cultism, Kidnapping and Other Anti-Violent and Related Offences Law of Ogun State, 2016, but also posed a significant threat to public safety and order.

In his judgment, Magistrate Oke noted that the evidence presented was credible and sufficient to warrant the convictions. He imposed a sentence of seven years each for both Okusanya and Gafar, without the option of a fine, highlighting the court's commitment to addressing cult-related violence and maintaining law and order in Ogun State.