Kwara State High Court has sentenced Kale Bayero and five others to 10 years’ imprisonment for cultism.
Justice A. O. Akinpelu handed down the sentence today in Ilorin after finding the defendants guilty of cultism, mischief, disturbance of public peace, and conspiracy.
The six were arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, attempted culpable homicide, and disturbance of public peace.
Prosecuting the case, Chief State Counsel Issa Zakari of the Ministry of Justice tendered exhibits including assorted mobile phones and a Honda Accord vehicle.
Four prosecution witnesses testified: Alhaji Kawata Arikewuyo, Chairman of Community Policing, Eruda Area; CSP Adebayo Sikiru; Sergeant Tunde Opeyemi; and Aigbogun Benedicta, all investigating police officers.
Despite the defendants’ denial, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt on four counts.
Each convict was sentenced to 10 years for cultism, and two years and six months each for mischief, disturbance of public peace, and conspiracy.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
Justice Akinpelu said the judgment serves as a deterrent to cult-related crimes and a relief to residents of Eruda, Baboko, and Alapata communities.
The Kwara State Ministry of Justice said the ruling reaffirms government’s commitment to public safety, the rule of law, and justice for all citizens.
