Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law a highly stringent anti-cultism bill, imposing a 21-year jail term on individuals found guilty of being involved in cult-related activities and for those who sponsor or harbor cultists in the state. The move, which strengthens the fight against the menace of cultism, was announced on Tuesday, January 30, 2025, following the formal signing of the new law by Governor Okpebholo.
The law, titled The Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, replaces the previous Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018. The updated version significantly raises the stakes for offenders, reflecting the growing concern over the increasing influence and activities of cult groups in the state.
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor, explained the core components of the law, emphasizing the tough penalties now in place. He stressed that the state government was determined to eradicate cultism and related criminal activities, which have been a serious threat to the peace and security of the region.
“Effective from January 24, 2025, this law now provides stricter penalties for individuals involved in cultism,” the statement read. “The Edo State House of Assembly has repealed the 2018 law, passing a new version that introduces harsher punishment for secret cults, their members, and sponsors.”
Under the new law, financial and material sponsors of secret cults now face a 21-year prison sentence. In a landmark move, the law also makes provisions for 10 years of imprisonment for anyone who knowingly harbors cultists or allows cult-related activities to take place on their property. Furthermore, anyone found guilty of being involved in violent acts, including assault, injury, or murder, as part of their cult activities, faces a 21-year prison term, without the option of a fine. In the most severe cases, where a cultist is found guilty of causing death, the law mandates the death penalty.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensuring safety and security for all Edo citizens. “This administration will not tolerate any form of lawlessness, and we will continue to enforce laws that promote peace and security,” the Governor stated. “Cultism has no place in Edo State, and we are determined to root it out through these strong legislative measures.”
The law also includes provisions that allow the state to seize and demolish properties connected to cult activities. If a property owner is found to have permitted cult meetings or housing cult members, the law mandates that their property be confiscated and demolished by the state government.
This aggressive approach follows growing concerns over the violence and disruption caused by cult groups in Edo State, particularly in urban areas where secret societies have been linked to criminal activities, including armed robbery, drug trafficking, and violent clashes. The signing of this new law is seen as a bold attempt to curb these activities and restore order to the state.
While many have applauded the law for its toughness, others have raised concerns over its implementation, fearing potential abuses by security agencies or the risk of innocent citizens being wrongly targeted. Some critics have questioned the fairness of the death penalty for those involved in fatal cult activities, suggesting that alternative punishments should be considered.
Edo State has struggled with cultism for years, with various administrations attempting to combat the issue. Cult groups have long been a part of the state’s socio-political landscape, with members often seen as wielding considerable influence in certain sectors, including education, business, and even local governance. Over the years, efforts to combat cultism have been met with mixed success, with critics arguing that enforcement has been weak and inconsistent.
In addition to its legal provisions, the state government has vowed to increase its efforts in educating the public, particularly young people, about the dangers of cultism. According to the state government, one of the driving forces behind cultism is the allure of power, money, and protection that it promises to its members. The government has committed to working with schools, community groups, and religious organizations to raise awareness and discourage participation in cult activities.
The announcement has received mixed reactions from the public. While some residents have lauded the law as a necessary step in the fight against cultism, others have expressed concerns about its potential consequences. Many are skeptical about the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent, arguing that deeper societal issues, such as poverty and unemployment, must also be addressed to curb the appeal of cult groups.
“I think the law is a good start, but we also need to look at the root causes of cultism,” said Omosede Ero, a community leader in Benin City. “The government must invest in programs that provide opportunities for young people, so they don’t feel the need to join these groups for protection or financial gain.”
Nevertheless, the law’s passage marks a significant shift in Edo State’s approach to combating cultism and is expected to have a profound impact on the state’s legal landscape. As the government prepares to implement the new provisions, many are watching closely to see whether the law will indeed curb the growing influence of secret cults and bring lasting peace to the region.
