A Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State,  on Tuesday sentenced Oluwole Azeez to 12 months in a correctional centre for cultism and unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and cutlasses.

The Court President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, found Azeez guilty of the two-count charge of cultism and unlawful possession of harmful objects, based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.

According to her, the convict admitted in a confessional statement that harmful weapons were found in his possession and that he was using them to protect himself without a license.

“This piece of evidence requires no further proof, as Azeez has admitted having physical contact with the objects. Therefore, Azeez is sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for each of counts one and two, respectively. However, the convict has the option of paying N30,000 for each of the two offences. The sentences shall run concurrently,” Akintayo held.

Earlier, the convict pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing him, adding that he was remorseful for his actions and had changed for the better.

The prosecutor, Inspector Ayodele Ayeni, told the court that the convict committed the crime on December 19, 2023, at about 1.00 a.m., in the Idiaro area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to Mr Ayeni, Azeez was apprehended by a police patrol in possession of five cutlasses, four different types of knives, a stick with nails, and a locally made pistol.

He added that the convict confessed to belonging to an unnamed cult group.

Mr Ayeni stated that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 403 and 406 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

(NAN)