Edo Governor Signs Law Imposing Death Penalty, 21-Year Jail Term For Cultists And Sponsors

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, which prescribes a death sentence for cultists whose activities result in fatalities and a 21-year jail term for their sponsors.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor, confirmed the repeal of the 2018 Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, replacing it with tougher penalties to curb cultism and related crimes in the state.

The new law, which took effect on January 24, 2025, introduces the following penalties:

1. 21 years imprisonment for individuals who finance or materially support secret cult activities (Section 5).
2. 10 years imprisonment and property confiscation for anyone who harbours cultists or allows cult meetings on their premises (Section 6).
3. 21 years imprisonment for cultists found guilty of assault, injury, or destruction of property (Section 12).
4. Death penalty for cultists whose actions result in the death of another person, with their properties confiscated and demolished upon conviction.

The Edo State Government has urged residents to steer clear of cult-related activities, emphasising its commitment to maintaining peace and security.

“This law reinforces the government’s zero tolerance for cultism,” the statement read. “Citizens are advised to comply and contribute to the state’s growth and development.”