Edo State governor has signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill, 2025, into law repealing the Edo State Secret Cult Prohibition Law, 2018.
The new law recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo takes effect from 24th January, 2025.
Disclosing this in a statement on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, said the new law contains stiffer penalties for anyone connected to cult-related offences.
He noted that individuals who kill in furtherance of cult-related activities are to get the death penalty while those who financially or materially sponsor the crime are liable to 21 years imprisonment if found guilty.
According to the statement, harbouring of cultists or allowing the use of one’s property for cult activities attracts a 10-year imprisonment and demolition of such property.
“These measures are not intended to intimidate law-abiding citizens but rather to serve as a strong deterrent to those who have chosen to endanger the peace and security of Edo State.”
Itua stated that the move demonstrates Okpebholo’s commitment to restoring peace, security, and order in Edo State.
