Sixty suspected members of different secret cult gangs arrested over their alleged involvement in murder and robbery-related offences were on Wednesday sued at the Yaba Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos
The police slammed 13-count-charge against the 60 accused persons.
They have all been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The accused were yesterday brought before Magistrate Adeola Asedayo in line with the new Lagos State Anti-Cultism Law, 2021 and criminal Law of the state 2015 which prescribed a 21-year jail term when convicted.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the accused were arrested at various points and communities in the metropolis.
Adejobi said the police prosecutors filed 13 count charge against the 60 accused 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 2 years imprisonment or fine of N500,000.
“The Commissioner of Police 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.
“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 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.
“Odumosu therefore 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 as the command enjoys the enabling mechanism to operate and discharge its duties as expected,” he added.
