65 cult groups proscribed in Akwa Ibom

By IDONGESIT ASHAMERI, Uyo

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has Proscribed 65 cult groups, prohibiting them from carrying out either secret or public activities in the state.

The new order revokes the 2018 Cultism and other Violent Behaviour Order which placed a ban on the activities of 31 cult groups in the state.

The proscription is under the Cultism and Other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2020 in pursuant to section 70 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.

Pronouncing the prescription of the affected cult groups in Uyo on Monday, Governor Emmanuel said.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred on me by Section 70 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 38, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa lbom State, 2000 and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the Governor of Akwa lbom State of Nigeria do hereby make the following -ORDER:

“Proscription of cults, Societies and groups.1. The cults, societies and groups listed herein are hereby declared unlawful and forthwith proscribed in Akwa lbom State –  Vikings, Black Axe, KKK, Buccaneers, Mafias,Luttox a.k,a junior Black Axe, Debam, Dewell, Icelanders, Redskins, Pirates, Amoc, Akwa Marines and Utoto groups.

Others include September 11, Secret sons of Satan, King Cobra, Junior Vikings, Jv. Bats, Predators, Black Ladies Black Cross, Scavengers, Skylolo, Sons of Nights, Blood Brotherhood, Junior Buccaneers, White Angel’s and Musket, Daughters of Queen Amina, Lion,Leo Line, Neo Black Movement of Africa. Temple of Eden, Daughters of Jezebel, Amazon, Black Brazier, Barracudas, Black Berret., The Dragon, Red Devil, Blood Suckers, Scorpion, BlackEye, Eyie, Sons of Nights, White Angels, Yellow Ribbon and Python.

Also proscribed are Black Sword, Supreme Dreadlock, Black Heart, Black Dagger, white Brothers, High Mafia, Street Mafia, Family Mafia, Supreme Redskin, Italian Mafia, Separate Brothers confraternity and Clansmen.

Signing the law,  Emmanuel declared illegal, the operations of cult organisations in secondary and primary schools in the State.

The law, which comes into effect on Monday, March 16, 2030, states that defaulters shall be prosecuted in accordance with the Cultism, Offensive Weapons and Violent Behavior 2004 or any other enabling law.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko who provided details of the new law explained that the new law is more comprehensive than the 2018 Prohibition.

He disclosed that the 31 groups earlier proscribed had, according to security reports, migrated into new groups/names, and more new ones discovered, hence the decision of the state government to expand the list from 31 to 65. (Daily Independent)