Assembly considers punishment for cultists’ parents

The parents of youths found guilty of cultism in Lagos State may become liable for punishment if a bill for the prohibition of unlawful societies and cultism in Lagos is passed into law.

This was part of the submission of some lawmakers at the state House of Assembly during plenary on Tuesday.

The members were discussing the bill sent by the Attorney General of the state, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said there was the need to differentiate among the various types of cultism in the country so as not to create  another problem while solving one.

“We need to look at the way and manner weapons are used. The existing law should be seriously looked into,” he added.

Obasa therefore committed the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, which was directed to report back to the House in three weeks.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Sanai Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu 1, said sponsors of cultism were not captured under the bill.

He said, “The suspected student should be investigated before suspension. Parents of students who engage in any cult group should also be liable,” he said.