End Of Road As Cultist Bags Two Sentences, Death By Hanging In Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

A cultist has bagged three sentences, 24 years imprisonment, life jail and death by hanging as rewards for his nefarious activities.

An Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado Ekiti, on Monday clamped the sentences on  one Iwaetan after he was found guilty of  conspiracy, burglary, stealing, receiving stolen property, rape, unlawful possession of firearms and membership of secret cult.

The 30 year old convict was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Familoni on 16th December, 2021 on seven counts charges bordering on rape, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership of secret cult among other offences.

According to the charge sheet, Iwaetan Segun and Atila Iwaetan (now at large) on 16th day of January, 2021 at Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti, conspired to commit burglary and stealing, broke into a shop, received stolen properties such as 50 jean trousers, 15 polo shirts, 30 pairs of leather slippers among others, worth over #1.8million property of Olayemi Oyerinde.

Also on 5th of February, 2021, raped a 20 year old Federal Polytechnic student at Odo Ado Street, Ado Ekiti while, unlawfully, in possession of two guns, he was on 10th February, 2021 found to be a member of the Eiye confraternity secret cult.

In her testimony before the court, the raped victim said, “the convict was my neighbour. On that day, he gained access to my room around 3:00 a.m. He pointed gun at me, and ordered me not to shout or else he will shoot me.

“I was ordered to remove my jean trouser and pant, he forcefully had sex with me, as at the time he raped me, I was still a virgin. Thereafter, he begged me to forgive him and should not tell anybody.”

To proof his case, the prosecutor, Albert Adeyemi called five witnesses and tendered defendant’s statements, medical report, search warrant, two locally made guns as exhibits.

The defendant spoke through his counsel, Busuyi Ayorinde, and called no witness.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Adeniyi Familoni said, “on the whole, I find and hold that the prosecution has by the totality of evidence adduced in this case proved the charge of Conspiracy, Rape, Unlawful possession of firearms and Membership of Eiye Confraternity secret Cult against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, consequently, he is convicted of the four charges.

“The sole issue for determination is thus, resolved partly in favour of the prosecution.

“Consequently, the defendant is sentenced as follows:

*Conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearm) He is sentenced to twelve years imprisonment each without any option of fine, sentences are to run concurrently from the date of his arrest and detention of the defendant.

*”Rape:  The defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment.

*Membership of Eiye confraternity Secret Cult, the sentence of this Court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.”