A teenage girl, one Gift Emmanuel, 18 years old, has been remanded by a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for alleged involvement in cultism and robbery.
Also remanded alongside her are Saviour Augustine, 22, Nnana Peter, 19, Friday Daniel, 20, Precious Ubani, 18, and Kwame Atisa, 18.
The suspects are alleged to have belonged to and participated in the activities of a cult called ‘Degbam’.
They allegedly terrorised residents of Ojoto, Nanka and Iloabuchi streets, Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The suspects are also being accused of robbing the inhabitants of their phones while armed with pistols.
A document obtained from the court alleged that the suspects had in their possession one revolver pistol with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
The six-count charge of robbery, unlawful possession of arms and cult involvement and participation was not read to them, hence they did not take any plea.
They reportedly carried out the alleged crimes at Anozie waterside and Eagle Island, Port Harcourt on January 9.
Magistrate Sokari Andrew-Jaja said the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter and ordered the parties to file written addresses on whether the court could grant bail to the suspects or not.
He ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till February 21 for adoption of written addresses.
