By Tobi Adetunji
The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned sixty suspected cultists at various points across Lagos metropolis.
The Suspects were on Wednesday brought before Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo of Yaba Magistrate Court, in consonance with the new Lagos State Anti Cultism Law, 2021.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Hakeem Odumosu said, the arrest and subsequent Prosecution was a product of the “coordinated 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.
In a statement by the Lagos Command Spokesperson CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made available to Nigerian NewsDirect.
According to Odumosu, the operation was carried out in pursuant of the command zero tolerance for Cultism and criminal activities. He hinted that the suspects are facing a thirteen-count charge bordering of various offences.
He said, “The police prosecutors filed thirteen count charge against the sixty suspects for various offences including Conspiracy, Murder, Cultism, Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Breach of Public Peace.”
Odumosu said, “The suspect will be tried base on the new Lagos State Anti Cultism Law, 2021 and Criminal Laws of the Lagos State, 2015.
Speaking further, the Police boss noted that “The new Lagos State Anti-Cultism Law provides that, on conviction, cult members risk jail term of twenty-one years, while their parents risk two years imprisonment or fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira.
“He 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 Govenrment 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.
In another development, Odumosu has promised to protect all bona-fide members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state and set mechanism in motion to prevent them from police harassment and brutality in the state.
He made the commendation on Wednesday, while receiving the executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Council, at the command’s conference room, State Headquarters, Ikeja-Lagos.
He appreciated the fourth estate of the realm for professionalism, steadfastness and supporting the police in its tasks of fighting against the culture and spread of fake news in the state.