An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a 32-year-old man, Samuel Mfom, over alleged cult membership and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendant, of no fixed address, faces three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful society membership, and illegal possession of firearms.
Police prosecutor SP Josephine Ikhayere said Mfom and others at large committed the offence on May 12 at Okokomaiko, Lagos.
She alleged that security operatives intercepted him with a locally made single-barrel pistol and five live cartridges, which he could not satisfactorily account for.
Ikhayere said this violated Section 27(i)(ii)(iii) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
She further alleged Mfom belonged to the proscribed Eiye confraternity, outlawed under the Lagos State Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Law, 2021.
According to her, the law prescribes penalties ranging from three years to life imprisonment for individuals convicted of cult-related offences.
Magistrate Lateef Owolabi ordered Mfom’s remand pending further investigation and adjourned the case until Jan. 6, 2026 for mention.
A police source told NAN that such cases were common in Lagos suburbs, where cult groups frequently clash, fuelling violent crimes.
The source added that the clampdown formed part of efforts to restore peace and curb escalating insecurity.
Truthng reports that Lagos State has in recent years intensified enforcement against cultism, especially in Ikorodu, Ajegunle, Mushin, and Okokomaiko.
Rival gangs in these areas have been linked to killings, armed robbery, and drug trafficking.
In 2021, the Lagos State Government reviewed its anti-cultism law, expanding the list of proscribed groups and imposing stricter penalties.
The police also established tactical units to monitor black spots across the state.
Security experts have urged community-based interventions, including job creation and civic education, to tackle the root causes of cultism among youths.
