Okpebholo Signs Law Stipulating Death, 21-yr Imprisonment For Cultists, Sponsors In Edo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 into law, stipulating death sentence for cult members whose acts cause the death of others and a 21-year jail term for their sponsors.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor, stated that the old law was repealed to provide for a stiffer punishment for cultists and their sponsors.

He urged the public to be guided and desist from acts inimical to the peace, growth and development of the state.

The statement reads, “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is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.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 is provision for stiffer penalties for anyone found guilty of secret cult related offences in the state.

“Section 5 of the Law provides for twenty-one (21) years imprisonment for financial and material sponsors of secret cults.

“Also, the Section 6 of the law provides for 10 years imprisonment for those who knowingly habour members of a secret cult or permit a secret cult meeting or activities to be held in house, building or place over which they have control.”

The statement said that in addition to the 10 years imprisonment for those who harbour cult members, such persons would have their properties confiscated and demolished by the State Government.

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

“The general public is, by this notice, advised to be guided and desist from acts inimical to the peace, growth and development of Edo State.”