Two men, Onwe Mgboro, 38, and Onyebuchi Mgboro, 28, on Friday were arraigned at an Abakaliki Magistrate’s Court, in Ebonyi State, for allegedly stealing cassava and engaging in cult activities.
The accused individuals are reported to have stolen the cassava from a farm belonging to Sunday Agbo and are alleged members of the Viking Confraternity, a secret cult.
The charges brought against them include theft, involvement in cult activities, and the willful destruction of property.
Although the court did not take pleas from the defendants, it was noted that they had no fixed addresses.
David Njoku, representing the state, stated that the duo allegedly committed these offenses on February 15, 2024, in Eguele Umuezeaka, located in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He detailed that the defendants conspired to carry out the alleged acts.
According to Mr. Njoku, the first charge against the defendants falls under Section 516 A (a) of the Ebonyi State Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Law of Ebonyi, 2009.
“Count two, the defendants did belong to a secret cult group known as Viking Confraternity,” he explained, adding that this offense is against Section 3 (1) (3) and (4) of the Ebonyi law prohibiting cult membership and is punishable under Section 5.
The third charge involves the theft of cassava worth N300,000, the property of Mr. Agbo, which, Mr. Njoku noted, violates Section 390 (9) of the Ebonyi Criminal Code.
“Count four, the defendants did unlawfully and willfully remove and damage the boundary mark used by the complainant (Agbo) to survey his landed property,” he added, indicating that this offense is also subject to legal action.
Defense attorney Igboke Chinedu requested bail for the accused, but Magistrate Ojemba Isu-Oko denied the application, stating that his court lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail for such offenses.
Magistrate Isu-Oko ordered the transfer of the case file to the Department of Public Prosecutions for a formal review and legal advice.
The defendants were remanded to the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, with the court setting a new hearing date for December 6.
