The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill to outlaw secret cult activities and killings in the state, approving 21 years jail term for whoever is found culpable.
The Bill, entitled, ‘Anambra State Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill 2024’, was read for the third time and passed into law House on Wednesday.
The lawmakers, at the Committee of the Whole House, took turns to peruse the executive Bill before its passage.
The Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, who conducted a voice vote on each of the clauses of the bill before it was passed, explained that the passage followed the consideration of the report presented by the joint committee on Education, Judiciary and Justice.
Udeze then directed the acting Clerk, Mr Okechukwu Nwobi, to transmit a clean copy of the bill to the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo for assent.
The bill stipulates that any person who participates in a meeting or activity of a secret cult shall be presumed to be a member of the secret cult.
It went further that any person who has in his possession or custody or under his control any of the insignia, documents or other properties belonging to a secret cult or wears such insignia shall be presumed to be a member of the secret cult.
“The law also empowers the police or any security agent to arrest a person who is in possession of an offensive weapon being kept in any house or building.
“Any person, who is a member of a secret cult, commits an offense 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.
“Any member of a secret cult who voluntarily renounces his membership of the cult and submits any offensive weapon in his possession to the Police, shall be free from prosecution.
“A rehabilitation agency shall be created where persons who renounce their membership of a secret cult or any proscribed society shall receive counseling,” it said.
Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme told newsmen at end of the plenary that the bill would go a long way in helping government to reduce crime and criminality in the state.
He noted that it would help save lives of residents and empower authorities to take decisive actions against perpetrators.
The House then adjourned plenary till Thursday.
