Okpebholo approves 21-year jail term for cultists, sponsors

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday signed into law a 21-year jail term for cult members and their sponsors.

The Governor in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor, noted that the previous law had been repealed to impose harsher punishments on cultists and their sponsors.

He urged the public to take heed and avoid actions detrimental to the peace, growth, and development of the state.

The statement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“By virtue of the repeal, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, effective from 24 January 2025.

“Please be informed that in the new law, there are provisions for stricter penalties for anyone found guilty of secret cult-related offences in the state.

“Section 5 of the law prescribes 21 years of imprisonment for financial and material sponsors of secret cults.

“Additionally, Section 6 of the law provides for 10 years of imprisonment for those who knowingly harbour members of a secret cult or permit secret cult meetings or activities to take place in any house, building, or location under their control.”

The statement further noted that, in addition to the 10-year jail term for those who harbour cult members, such individuals would have their properties confiscated and demolished by the state government.

It added: “Section 12 of the law clearly states: ‘Any person found to be a cultist under Section 4, who assaults, injures, maims, or kills any person(s) or destroys any property in furtherance of the activities of any secret cult, is guilty of an offence and is liable to 21 years of imprisonment without an option of fine. In the case of a fatality, the perpetrator(s) shall be liable to the death penalty upon conviction, and any properties in their name, as well as their place of residence, shall be confiscated and demolished by the State Government.’

“The general public is, by this notice, advised to take heed and refrain from acts detrimental to the peace, growth, and development of Edo State.”