By Ikemefuna Asika

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill to prohibit Secret Cult and Similar activities in the State.

The Executive bill was passed during plenary on Wednesday presided over by the Speaker Mr Somtochukwu Udeze.

The essence of the law is to curb the recent increase in cult killings and activities within Awka the Anambra state capital and its environs.

Under the law, any person who stands or participates in a meeting or activity of a secret cult shall be presumed less the contrary is proved, to be a member of the secret cult.

Also any person who has in his possession or custody or under his control any of the insignia, documents or other property belonging to a secret cult or wears any such insignia shall be presumed to be a member of the secret cult.

The new law will also empower the police or any security agent to arrest a person who is in possession of an offensive weapon which is being kept in any house or building.

There is also a provision under the law for any member of a secret cult who voluntarily renounces his membership of the cult and submits any offensive weapon in his possession to the Police , shall be free from prosecution.

When operational , a Rehabilitation Agency shall be created where persons who renounced their membership of secret cult or any proscribed society shall receive counseling.

The Speaker, Mr Udeze and the Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme commended the law makers for giving the bill the attention it requires noting that it will no doubt go a long way in assisting government efforts in curbing crime and criminality in the State.

The law will become effective when assented to by the Governor.