The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has officially signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill, 2025, into law, repealing the previous Edo State Secret Cult Prohibition Law, 2018. The new legislation, which was recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, took effect on January 24, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, outlined that the new law introduces significantly harsher penalties for individuals involved in cult-related activities. The law stipulates the death penalty for those who kill in the course of cult activities. Additionally, individuals who financially or materially support cultism face up to 21 years in prison if convicted.
The new law also targets those who harbor cultists or allow their properties to be used for cult activities, with a penalty of 10 years imprisonment, along with the demolition of the property in question. It further provides for 21 years imprisonment for cultists involved in assault, injury, or property destruction, while the death penalty is reserved for those responsible for murders linked to cultism.
“It’s important to note that these measures are not aimed at intimidating law-abiding citizens, but are instead designed to act as a strong deterrent against those who choose to jeopardize the peace and security of Edo State,” Itua emphasized.
He further stated that the signing of this law underscores Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security, and order in the state, ensuring that individuals and communities can live without the fear of cult-related violence.
