A bill on anti-cultism has been passed into law in Anambra State by the State House of Assembly, News About Nigeria reports.
The bill, which prohibits secret cultism and similar activities, passed its third reading and was passed into law by the state House on Wednesday.
The Majority Leader of the House, Ikenna Ofodeme, stated that the law will go a long way in saving the lives of the residents of the state and will also empower authorities to take decisive actions against perpetrators.
He added that when the bill is signed by the governor, it will be a sign of a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to further promote peace, security, and social cohesion in the state
Ofodeme noted that the intent of the bill is to curb secret cultism and related offences and provide a legal framework to prohibit and penalise such behaviours and associated crimes, which he maintained is for the good of all.
“The bill contains that any person who is a member of a secret cult, has committed an offence whether or not in possession of an offensive weapon, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life or a minimum of 21 years imprisonment without an option of fine.
“The bill is aimed at curbing secret cultism and related offences, providing a legal framework to prohibit and penalise such behaviours, and associated crimes,” he stated.
This is coming at a time when cult-related killings in Awka and its environs have become a source of concern among stakeholders and residents.
