The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 into effect. The new law repeals the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018, introducing stiffer penalties for individuals involved in cult-related activities, their sponsors, and those who harbor cultists.
Key Provisions and Legal Implications
1. Death Sentence for Cultists Involved in Fatal Attacks— Section 12 of the law prescribes a death sentence for any cultist whose actions result in the death of another person. Also, If a cultist assaults, injures, or destroys property in furtherance of cult activities, they face 21 years imprisonment without an option of a fine. Additionally, the government will confiscate and demolish the convicted person’s property.
Legal Implication:
This provision aligns with Nigeria’s Criminal and Penal Codes, which prescribe capital punishment for offenses involving murder. However, its enforcement could be challenged based on the constitutional right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which limits the death penalty to cases where due legal processes are strictly followed.
2. 21-Year Jail Term for Sponsors of Cultism— Section 5 provides for a 21-year imprisonment sentence for individuals who provide financial or material support to secret cults.
Legal Implication:
This provision strengthens the state’s ability to prosecute not just cult members, but also enablers and financiers, making it easier to track and dismantle organized cult networks.
3. 10-Year Jail Term for Harboring Cultists— Section 6 stipulates a 10-year prison sentence for individuals who:
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Knowingly provide shelter to cultists.
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Allow cult meetings or activities to take place on their premises.
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The government will also confiscate and demolish such properties.
Legal Implication:
This provision introduces vicarious liability, holding property owners accountable for indirect involvement in cultism. However, enforcement could raise human rights concerns, particularly regarding the demolition of properties. Affected persons may challenge the law under Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects against arbitrary deprivation of property.
Broader Legal and Social Impact
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The law supports Edo State’s anti-cultism framework, aiming to curb violent crimes and protect public safety.
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It expands state power by targeting both direct perpetrators and enablers of cult-related violence.
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However, the severity of penalties, particularly property demolition, may lead to constitutional challenges and human rights debates.
In conclusion, The Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 introduces tougher legal consequences for cultism in Edo State. While it seeks to deter cult-related violence, its enforcement will need to balance out security concerns with constitutional safeguards, ensuring fair trials and due process in line with Nigeria’s legal framework.
