Ogun considers special court to try cultists and explores an amnesty plan

The Ogun State Government will set up a Special Court to hear cult-related offences.

A Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force with representation from all main security organisations will also be established, with the goal of eradicating the threat of cultism from the state.

The government is also putting up a plan for an amnesty for potential cult members who might want to give up their weapons.

These choices were made following a joint security meeting that took place on Wednesday at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Recall that on Tuesday, Governor Dapo Abiodun made a hint that his administration would pass a law that would punish anyone found participating in cult activities in the state with the death penalty.

The governor spoke after days of cult-related confrontations in Sagamu, which left several dead and others injured. He was visiting the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.

According to Governor Abiodun, the meeting’s main objective was to develop effective strategies for eradicating cultism in the Gateway State.

Prince Abiodun stated: “We had productive discussions about putting policies in place to combat cultism in Ogun State during the Joint Security meeting that took place today (Wednesday).

“Our main priorities were the creation of a special court, the formation of a joint operative force made up of different security agencies, and the imposition of the death penalty for crimes related to cultism.

We also discussed the idea of instituting an amnesty period in addition to these measures. This would provide people the chance to give up their firearms and renounce their participation in any cult-related organisations or activities without worrying about facing legal consequences.

We are dedicated to provide the Special Court and Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force with the necessary logistics and equipment to support their activities successfully as an administration that is firmly committed to building a peaceful and violent-free society.

“The main goal of our discussion is to tackle the problem of cultism from several angles. As part of this, our recognised traditional leaders will engage the community and take appropriate legal and enforcement action.

“To sum up, we are committed to confronting the cultism threat in our state head-on. We think we can effect long-lasting change by combining legal frameworks, law enforcement tactics, rehabilitation programmes, and community involvement.