In a decisive move to combat the menace of cultism, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially ratified the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill, 2025, ushering in far-reaching punitive measures against
cultists and their enablers. This enactment effectively nullifies the previous Edo State Secret Cult Prohibition Law, 2018 and takes full effect from January 24, 2025.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, disclosed this landmark development in a statement on Thursday, underscoring that the new legislation prescribes heightened penalties for individuals involved in cult-related
offenses.
Under the provisions of the law, any individual who commits murder in furtherance of cultism will face capital punishment, while those who provide financial or material backing to such criminal enterprises will be subjected to a
21-year prison sentence upon conviction.
Furthermore, individuals who knowingly provide shelter or property for cult-related gatherings will be jailed for 10 years, with the demolition of the implicated property also stipulated as an additional punitive measure.
The newly enacted law details an array of severe consequences for different levels of involvement in cultism:
21 years imprisonment for individuals who fund or materially aid cult activities.
10 years imprisonment and property demolition for those who harbor cultists or permit their premises to be used for cult-related meetings.
21 years imprisonment for cultists found guilty of assault, property destruction, or inflicting bodily harm.
Death penalty for any individual convicted of killing in the course of cult-related activities.
Speaking on the intent behind the law, Itua clarified that these measures are not designed to intimidate law-abiding citizens, but rather to serve as a robust deterrent against those who have chosen to jeopardize the peace, security,
and stability of Edo State.
“This law is not merely about punitive action—it is a bold, strategic intervention to safeguard lives and reclaim Edo’s future. Cultism has stripped countless young individuals of their potential, transforming them from promising
contributors to society into agents of chaos. With this legislation, Edo State is drawing a hard line, ensuring that families, businesses, and communities can flourish without fear of violence,” Itua asserted.
He further emphasized that the demolition and confiscation of properties linked to cultism is a deliberate strategy to drive home the message that crime will no longer be tolerated or rewarded in Edo State.
“The government is sending a resolute signal: Edo belongs to law-abiding citizens, not to criminal elements. Those who sponsor, shelter, or facilitate cultism will find no refuge here. The time of unchecked lawlessness is over.”
With this sweeping legislative action, Edo State has reinforced its commitment to dismantling organized crime networks and fostering a society where safety and order prevail.
