Ogun State Proposes Law to Hold Cult Members Accountable

The Ogun State Government has proposed significant reforms to its criminal justice system, aiming to hold members of unlawful societies accountable for crimes committed in furtherance of their groups' objectives. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, disclosed this initiative on Tuesday.

The Ogun State Executive Council approved four criminal justice bills to tackle escalating security issues, including cultism and organized extortion. The cornerstone of this legislative effort is the Group Liability for Offences of Violence, Extortion and Secret Societies (GLOVES) Bill, which seeks to establish collective criminal responsibility for organized crime.

Ogungbade explained that the proposed laws aim to address challenges in prosecuting cult-related killings, as many suspects admit to membership but deny involvement in crimes. The legislation is deemed necessary due to the evolution of cultism beyond tertiary institutions into communities, posing increasing security threats.