Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel has banned the existence and operation of 65 secret cult groups in the state.
Emmanuel, while relying on Section 70 of the Criminal Code Law cap. 38, Vol. 2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 on Monday signed into effect the Cultist and Other Violent Behaviour (Prohibition) Order.
The Order, according to Emmanuel, takes effect from March 16.
Secret cult societies proscribed by the governor include: Vikings, Black Axe, KKK, Buccaneers, Mafias, Luttox (Junior Black Axe), Debam, Dewell, Icelanders, Red Skins, Pirates, Amoc, Akwa Marines and Utoto Groups (419).
The governor also declared illegal cult groups and societies in operation in many secondary and primary schools in the state.
“He listed them as follows: Luttox, Red Skins, St. Stephens, Dewell, Sept 11 Group, Secret Sons of Satan, King Cobra, J.V (Junior Vikings), Bats, Predators, Black Ladies, Black Cross.
Others include: Scavengers, Skylolo, Sons of Nights, Blood Brotherhood, Junior Buccaneers, White Angels; and Musket.
The Cultist and Other Violent Behaviour (Prohibition) Order signed by Emmanuel also stated: “In furtherance to sub-paragraph (1) and (2) of this paragraph and in addition to the cults, societies and groups listed therein, the under listed cults, societies and groups whether outside or within tertiary institutions, secondary or primary schools are also hereby prohibited.”
The governor also mentioned Daughters of Queen Amina, Lion, Leo Lion, Neo Black Movement of Africa, Temple of Eden, Daughters of Jezebel, Amazon, Black Brazier, Barracudas, Black Beret, The Dragon, Red devil, Blood Suckers, Scorpion, Black Eye, Eyie, Sons of Nights, White Angels, Yellow Ribbon and Python.
Others in this category include: Black Sword, Supreme Dred Lock, Black Heart, Black Dagger, White Brothers, High Mafia, Street Mafia, Family Mafia, Supreme Red Skin, Italian Mafia, Separate Brothers Confraternity and Clansmen.
The Governor also prohibited “Activities consistent with cultism 2. NotWithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this any cult, society or group by whatsoever name whose activities are found to be consistent with the activities of a cult shall be considered and treated as such under this Order.
“The activities of all cult, society or group mentioned inparagraph 1 and 2 of this Order are hereby prohibited and defaulters shall be prosecuted in accordance with the Cultism, Offensive Weapons and Violent Behavior (Prohibition) Law, 2004 or any other enabling law in that regard.”
The Order also revoked the Cultism and Other Violent Behavior (Prohibition) Order, 2018.
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