3 arraigned for murder, belonging to unlawful society

Three men, Bolu Wasiu, Nwokochi Chinonso and Akinstutu Olaleye, were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for alleged murder and keeping unlawful society.

The defendants, whose addresses were not disclosed, are facing a two-count charge bordering on murder and unlawful society membership.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Lagos State Prosecutor, Mrs Uju Nwogazi, told the court that the defendants were arrested on Dec. 23, 2021, around Alapere, Ketu, area of Lagos.

Nwogazi said that the first and second defendants were charged for allegedly murdering one man simply identified as Jaju.

She said that Wasiu and Chinonso killed Jaju by shooting and hitting him on the head with planks.

Nwogazi also told the court that the three accused persons allegedly belonged to a society known as Eye Confraternity.

She then moved for a trial date, in view of the plea of the defendants, saying the offences contravened Sections 213 and 42 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Kevin Okereke, did not object to the commencement of trial.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala, thereafter, asked Olaleye (the third defendant), how long he had been in custody, to which he said he had been at the Kirikiri Correctional Center for one year and two months.

Ogala then adjourned the matter until Feb. 5, 2024, for trial and ordered the issuance of witness summons.