Ndudi Anyim
The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned 60 suspected cultists at the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, on Wednesday.
The suspects comprising both males and females will be the first set of suspected cultists to be tried under the new Lagos State Anti Cultism Law, 2021.
Security Watch Africa reports that the suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo.
According to a statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police prosecutors filed 13 count charge against the 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 new Lagos State Anti-Cultism Law provides that, on conviction, cult members risk jail term of 21 years, while their parents risk two years imprisonment or fine of N500,000.
“ The Commissioner of Police (CP), Hakeem Odumosu, had coordinated some raids and operations around the State, especially, in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State to go after cultists and hoodlums who have been terrorising the entire State and bring them to book.
“ CP Odumosu 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 loop holes in the previous laws pertaining to cult related matters in the State.
“ 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, ” Adejobi said.
The PPRO said the CP has further charged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other operational units to be on their toes and make sure the State is rid of cultism and other social vices as the command enjoys the enabling mechanism to operate and discharge its duties as expected.