- Governor Monday Okpebholo signed a law imposing a 21-year prison sentence for cult members and their sponsors in Edo State
- The new Edo State law mandated harsh penalties, including property demolition, for those involved in cult activities
- The new 2025 anti-cult law aimed to significantly curb cultism and violent activities in Edo State
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo signed a new law on Tuesday, January 28, that mandates a 21-year prison sentence for individuals involved in cult activities, including their sponsors.
The law, which replaced an earlier version, aimed to impose stricter penalties on those participating in or supporting cult groups.
Umar Ikhllor, the Secretary to the State Government, emphasised that the revised legislation was introduced to strengthen the state’s efforts in combating cultism and ensuring public safety in a statement.
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is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.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.”
Edo state enforces 21-year sentence, others for cult violence
The statement also warned the public to refrain from actions that could undermine the state's peace and development.
Additionally, individuals found guilty of harbouring cult members would face a 10-year sentence, along with the forfeiture and demolition of their properties by the state government.
The statement 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.”
APC, PDP clash over relocation of Edo governorship election petition tribunal to Abuja
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Tension emerged in Edo State as APC and PDP clashed over the relocation of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal from Benin City to Abuja.
APC accused the PDP of pressuring the tribunal’s move to manipulate proceedings, while the PDP claimed the relocation was a safety measure amid threats.