Ogun targets cultism, ritual killings with four new security bills

Ogun State in Nigeria is taking a firm stance against escalating security threats with the approval of four new executive bills. The state's Executive Council has greenlit legislation designed to strengthen its criminal justice system and specifically address concerns like cultism, ritual killings, and violent crimes.

The proposed bills aim to introduce novel legal frameworks. The Group Liability for Offences of Violence, Extortion and Secret Societies Bill, for instance, seeks to hold entire unlawful organizations accountable for crimes committed by any of their members. This means mere membership in proscribed groups could lead to joint liability for the organization's actions, especially when aimed at gaining financial advantage or supremacy.

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This Bill seeks to make every member of an unlawful organisation jointly responsible for all crimes perpetrated by any other member of the organisation in furtherance of the organisation’s goals.

Furthermore, the administration is introducing the Victims’ Rights Bill, intended to establish a comprehensive legal framework for victim protection throughout the criminal justice process. This bill acknowledges that current laws inadequately address victims' needs during investigations, trials, and beyond, proposing an executive office to advocate for their rights. The Human Sacrifice Prevention and Prohibition Bill directly targets ritual killings, criminalizing the practice as a distinct offense rather than relying solely on existing laws like murder.

Finally, the Missing Persons Bill addresses another growing concern. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, announced these approvals, emphasizing the administration's commitment to enhancing public safety. The bills are now set to be transmitted to the Ogun State House of Assembly for legislative review and potential enactment.

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This law targets human sacrifice and ritual killing. It attacks the industry as a whole and provides a legal structure for combating the practice as a specifically recognised crime rather than relying solely on existing offences such as murder and grievous bodily harm.