Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill, 2025 into law, replacing the Edo State Secret Cult Prohibition Law, 2018 with stricter penalties for cult-related offenses.
In a statement on Thursday, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, announced that the law, which took effect on January 24, 2025, introduces severe punishments for those involved in cultism, including the death penalty for cult-related killings and 21 years imprisonment for financial or material sponsors of such activities.
Under the new law:
- Cultists involved in killings will face the death penalty.
- Those who finance or support cult activities will be sentenced to 21 years in prison.
- Anyone found harboring cultists or allowing their property to be used for cult activities will face 10 years imprisonment, and such properties will be demolished.
- Individuals involved in cult-related assaults, destruction of property, or violence will receive 21 years imprisonment.
According to Itua, the law is not meant to intimidate law-abiding citizens but to serve as a deterrent against the growing menace of cultism in Edo State.
“This legislation is about protecting lives and ensuring that Edo State is safe for everyone. Cult activities have caused untold harm, depriving young people of their future and destabilizing communities. With this law, we are sending a clear message—crime will no longer thrive in Edo State,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the government would enforce the demolition and confiscation of properties linked to cult-related activities to ensure that “crime does not pay” in the state.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace, security, and stability, stressing that Edo would remain a place for law-abiding citizens, not criminals.
