Court Sentences Ogun Man to Seven Years for Cultism

An Ogun State special court on cultism in Abeokuta has sentenced 24-year-old Sodiq Okeowo to seven years imprisonment for his involvement in secret cult activities. The ruling came after Okeowo was found guilty of conspiracy and membership in an unlawful society.

Magistrate O.O. Adebo delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution had established the case beyond reasonable doubt. Okeowo received a five-year sentence for conspiracy and seven years for belonging to a secret cult, with the terms set to run concurrently. The court ruled out the possibility of a fine.

The prosecutor, Olaide Rawlings, revealed that the offenses were committed on January 15 in the Sabo area of Sagamu Local Government Area. Okeowo had confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity and disclosed that he was initiated by one Azeez. He reportedly joined the group under duress, citing a desperate need for accommodation, which the cult promised to provide.

The prosecutor noted that the actions contravened Section 34 of the Secret Cults Prohibition and Special Provisions Law of Ogun State.

This case follows a similar judgment in September when 29-year-old Tobiloba Ogunbo was sentenced to seven years for secret cult membership and disrupting public peace. The court’s decisions reflect a firm stance against cultism in the state.