Suspected Black Axe members remanded in Lagos prison after attempted murder arrest

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Ogba, Lagos, remanded two men on Friday for alleged cult-related offences and attempted murder.

The defendants, Olayemi Abdulquadri, 22, and Kelechi Olisemeke, 28, face five criminal charges.

They are accused of conspiracy, membership in an unlawful society, attempted murder, possession of live cartridges, and criminal charms.

Prosecutor Josephine Ikhayere told the court that the alleged incidents occurred on May 26.

She alleged that the defendants and other unidentified individuals carried out the offences at Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.

According to the prosecutor, the men belong 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 claimed that the defendants entered 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.

These charges are 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 further proceedings.