Two suspected Black Axe cultists remanded in Lagos prison over attempted murder

 An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, on Friday remanded two men over alleged cultism and attempted murder.

The defendants, Olayemi Abdulquadri, 22, and Kelechi Olisemeke, 28, face a five-count charge of alleged criminal offences.

They were charged with conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society, attempted murder, possession of live cartridges and criminal charms.

The prosecutor, Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the offences occurred on May 26.

She alleged that the defendants and others still at large committed the offences at the Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.

According to the prosecutor, the men belonged to the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe or Aye.

The group is listed as a proscribed organisation under Lagos State’s Unlawful Societies and Cultism Prohibition Law.

Ikhayere alleged that the defendants invaded the university premises with others while armed with dangerous weapons.

She said the group attempted to kill an unidentified person during the alleged attack.

The defendants were also accused of unlawfully possessing two live cartridges in a public place.

They were further alleged to have been in possession of criminal charms during the incident.

The charges were said to contravene relevant sections of Lagos State criminal and anti-cultism laws.

The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate Lateef Owolabi on Friday.

Following their plea, the magistrate ordered their remand in a correctional facility.

The court adjourned the matter until July 1 for mention and further proceedings.