Ogun - Four university students on Wednesday appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates' Court for allegedly belonging to a secret cult, called "Alora Buccaneer" and forceful initiation of new students into the cult.
The accused persons, Damilola Animashaun (20), Olakunle Kelani (20) Oluwatobi Anifowose (18) and Kazeem Amusa (18) who all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them were not represented by any counsel.
The accused persons were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, felony, unlawful administering of oath and threat to life.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on Jan. 14, at about 12.30 a.m. at Osiele in Abeokuta.
He added that accused persons who belonged to an illegal society did unlawfully administer oaths to some newly admitted students.
"The accused persons, led by Animashaun a.k.a Damoshe, forcefully took Kazeem Famuyiwa,Olalekan Mustapha, Olufemi Adeboye all new students of the school into the bush.
"They unlawfully initiated them as members of "Alora Buccaneer'' and threatened to kill them if they revealed the oath issue to anyone.
"The new students after initiation, went to report to the school security which led to the arrest of the accused persons," Eigbejiale said.
The prosecutor argued that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 3,5,15 (b) and 12 (b) of the Secret Cult (Prohibition) and Special Provision Laws of Ogun State, 1999.
The Magistrate, Mr Martins Akinyemi, however, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N160,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case to March 4 for further hearing.
NAN
