BREAKING; Governor approves 21-year jail term for cult members

Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State has signed a new law imposing a 21-year jail term for cult members and their sponsors.

The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor. According to the statement, the previous law addressing cult-related offences has been repealed and replaced with stricter penalties to deter cult activities.

Ikhllor emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, warning the public against engaging in actions that could jeopardise Edo’s growth and development.

‘We aren’t just a band of blind musicians; we have journalists, teachers and computer…0:02 / 1:00

The statement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“By virtue of the repeal, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, effective from 24 January 2025.

“Please be informed that in the new law, there are provisions for stricter penalties for anyone found guilty of secret cult-related offences in the state.

“Section 5 of the law prescribes 21 years of imprisonment for financial and material sponsors of secret cults.

“Additionally, Section 6 of the law provides for 10 years of imprisonment for those who knowingly harbour members of a secret cult or permit secret cult meetings or activities to take place in any house, building, or location under their control.”

The statement further noted that, in addition to the 10-year jail term for those who harbour cult members, such individuals would have their properties confiscated and demolished by the state government.

It added: “Section 12 of the law clearly states: ‘Any person found to be a cultist under Section 4, who assaults, injures, maims, or kills any person(s) or destroys any property in furtherance of the activities of any secret cult, is guilty of an offence and is liable to 21 years of imprisonment without an option of fine. In the case of a fatality, the perpetrator(s) shall be liable to the death penalty upon conviction, and any properties in their name, as well as their place of residence, shall be confiscated and demolished by the State Government.’

“The general public is, by this notice, advised to take heed and refrain from acts detrimental to the peace, growth, and development of Edo State.”

Lagos State House of Assembly sets to probe ex–Speaker Obasa over corruption allegations

The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced that former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s return to the House will be pivotal in determining the next steps, including the possibility of an investigation into the corruption allegations leveled against him.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, House spokesperson Olukayode Ogundipe revealed that the Assembly is awaiting Obasa’s physical presence to address the claims against him.

“Once he returns, those issues will be addressed. We’ve also heard allegations about large sums of money being spent by him. While we don’t fully understand how those figures were obtained, once he’s back, we will take action based on the evidence we have,” Ogundipe stated.

The House is also considering whether to involve external bodies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the investigation.

“If the matter escalates, a committee could be formed to look into it, or it may be addressed by the leadership of the House,” Ogundipe added.

“Formal procedures will be followed, and the House will respond accordingly when the time comes.”

This follows last week’s dramatic removal of Obasa as

Speaker, amid ongoing corruption allegations. While the Assembly claims the removal was constitutional, Obasa, speaking to his supporters on Saturday, dismissed the accusations. He challenged his detractors to provide evidence of the alleged corruption, asserting that his ousting was improper.

“If you say I’m corrupt, prove it. Let us see the evidence,” he told the crowd gathered at the Speaker’s Lodge.

Despite Obasa’s stance, the House has remained firm in its position.

Ogundipe reiterated, “Mudashiru Obasa is still one of us, and the process of his removal was lawful and in line with constitutional procedures.”

The political drama surrounding the former Speaker continues to unfold, with all eyes now on his return to the Assembly for the next chapter.

JUST IN; Military clears air amid reports of Bello Turji’s arrest

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has swiftly refuted rumors circulating about the capture of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, urging the public to disregard such claims as “fake news.”

In a brief statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Edward Buba, the DHQ stated, “All news regarding the arrest of Bello Turji by troops should be treated as fake news, please.”

The clarification came after widespread reports suggested that Turji had been captured by military forces.

This development follows a statement from Brigadier General Opurum Timothy, Commander of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, who labeled Turji a “coward” currently evading capture amidst a military offensive in Zamfara State.

General Opurum reaffirmed the military’s determination to eradicate banditry and restore peace to the Northwest region.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, provided additional information, reporting that Turji was last seen in the Kalage Forest in the Mashema area of Eastern Kagara, Zamfara State.

According to Makama, Turji is operating from the forest alongside two key lieutenants, known as Office and Ibrahim Buzu.

Meanwhile, in a recent update, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed that Turji had expressed interest in negotiating with the Nigerian military, though it remains unclear what, if any, progress has been made in those discussions.

The military’s efforts continue as part of a broader campaign to root out bandits and bring lasting peace to the troubled region.