The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill to prohibit secret cult activities and killings in the state.

The bill, entitled Anambra State Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill 2024, was passed after the third reading on Wednesday.

The lawmakers at the Committee of the Whole House took turns scrutinising the executive bill before its passage.

The speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, conducted a voice vote on each of the clauses of the bill before it was passed.

Mr Udeze said the passage followed the consideration of the report presented by the joint committee on education, judiciary and justice.

Subsequently, Mr Udeze directed the acting clerk, Okechukwu Nwobi, to transmit a clean copy of the bill to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for assent.

The bill states that any person who participates in a meeting or activity of a secret cult shall be presumed to be a member of the secret cult.

It says that any person who has in his possession, custody or under his control any of the insignia, documents or other properties belonging to a secret cult or wears such insignia shall be presumed to be a member of the secret cult.

“The law also empowers the police or any security agent to arrest a person who is in possession of an offensive weapon being kept in any house or building.

“Any person who is a member of a secret cult commits 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.

“Any member of a secret cult who voluntarily renounces his membership of the cult and submits any offensive weapon in his possession to the police shall be free from prosecution.

“A rehabilitation agency shall be created where persons who renounce their membership to a secret cult or any proscribed society shall receive counselling,” it said.

Speaking to journalists at the end of plenary, Ikenna Ofodeme, majority leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, said the bill would go a long way in assisting the government to curb crime and criminality in the state.

He said it would help save the lives of residents and empower authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators.

The House adjourned plenary until Thursday. 

(NAN)