Crimes

Abiodun: My govt’ll set up special court to prosecute cultists

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, says a special court will be established by his administration to try cult-related cases.

Abiodun made the declaration after a joint security meeting held at the Governor’s Office, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

He said the Ogun State Government would also set up a Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force comprising all major security outfits, with the mandate to rid the state of cultism.

The governor added that the state was also proposing an amnesty programme for cultists who might wish to renounce cultism and surrender their weapons.

Abiodun had, on Tuesday, hinted that his administration would enact a law that would pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught engaging in cult activities in the state.

Governor Abiodun said this during a visit to the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, at his palace, following days of cult-related clashes in Sagamu, which left many dead and others injured.

The governor stated that the joint security meeting focused on providing adequate measures to eradicate cultism in Ogun State, saying: “During the meeting that took place today (Wednesday), we engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the implementation of measures aimed at combating cultism in the state.

“Our primary focus was on establishing a special court, forming a joint operational force comprising various security agencies, and implementing a death penalty for cultism offences.

“In addition to these measures, we also deliberated on the possibility of introducing a period of amnesty.

“This would allow individuals who wish to surrender their weapons and renounce their affiliation with any cult-related groups and activities the opportunity to do so without fear of prosecution.

“We are dedicated to providing the Special Court and Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force with the necessary logistics and tools to support their operations effectively.”

Abiodun said the overall objective of the meeting was to address the issue of cultism through a multifaceted approach.

He added that the approach would include legal and enforcement measures, rehabilitation efforts, and community engagement through the traditional rulers in Ogun State.

The Star