Anambra Assembly passes anti-cultism bill into law

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to prohibit secret cultism and similar activities and to provide for related matters.

The bill was read for the third time and passed into law by the state House on Wednesday.

The executive bill underwent thorough consideration in the Committee of the House before scaling through.

The Majority Leader of the House, Ikenna Ofodeme, said the law will go a long way in saving the lives of Ndi Anambra and empower authorities to take decisive actions against perpetrators.

Ofodeme thanked the legislators for their support to the executive towards the progress of Ndi Anambra, adding that the bill when signed by the governor will signal a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to further promote peace, security, and social cohesion in the state.

He said, “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.”

The Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, acknowledged the recent outcry regarding activities related to cultism in the state and stressed that the law is important in addressing the issue.

Udeze noted that the bill will come into force on May 7, 2024, upon the governor’s assent, and is seen as a pivotal step in salvaging the situation.

The speaker commended legislators for their efforts in the bill’s speedy passage, which received unanimous support through a voice vote.

Cult-related killings in Awka and its environs have become a source of concern among stakeholders and residents in recent times.

Our correspondent had reported that over 15 persons have so far been killed in Awka and environs in supremacy battles among suspected rival cult gangs, since Easter Sunday.

The control for transportation revenue, market, and community leadership was said to have been fuelled by the clashes.