A Benin High Court, on Monday, ordered the remand of three persons in police custody over alleged cultism in Edo.

The defendants are Sunday Stephen, 29; Destiny Omogiaho, 22 and Ebenezer Aboiralor, 26.

The trio are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and belonging to a secret cult.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the police prosecutor, Emmanuel Ekibade.

Mr Ekibade, after citing relevant sections of the law, prayed the court to remand the defendants in Edo police command custody for an initial period of 14 days, pending the conclusion of investigations.

He alleged that the three suspects, on or about December 25, 2025, at Ogueka Community, within the Benin Judicial Division, did conspire among themselves to belong to a secret cult known as the Marphite and Black Axe Secret Cult Supreme Confraternity.

He said the charges contravened Section 412(1) and Section 4(1) of the State Criminal Law, 2022, and is punishable under Section 12(1) of the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2025.

Mr Ekibade noted that the suspects would not suffer any prejudice if the application was granted.

The presiding judge, Justice Williams Azeigbemhin, accordingly granted the prayer and issued the remand order.

He subsequently adjourned the case until August 18. 

(NAN)