In application of the new anti-cultism law, the Lagos State Police Command arraigned 60 suspected cultists arrested at various points and communities in the state, at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Yaba, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, before Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo.
Police prosecutors had filed 13-count charge against the 60 suspects for various offences, including conspiracy, murder, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and breach of public peace, under the new Lagos State Anti-Cultism Law, 2021, and Criminal Laws of the Lagos State, 2015.
The state police image-maker, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the new law provides that on conviction, cult members risk jail term of 21 years, while their parents risk two years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000.
The PPRO spoke on how the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had coordinated some raids and operations around the state, especially, at Ikorodu Division, to apprehend the cultists and hoodlums who had been terrorising the entire state, and bring them to book.
Adejobi said: “The police boss confirmed that the new law is a blessing and catalyst to eradicating cultism across the length and breadth of the state, as the law caters for many loopholes in the previous laws, in matters related to court.
“He further appreciated the government and good people of Lagos State for making the law a reality and success, which is now applicable in the state.”
He added that the police commissioner charged the Divisional Police Officers and other operational units to be on their toes, and make sure the state is rid of cultism and other social vices.
