The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cultism

  • Activists warn against drug abuse, cultism

    Activists warn against drug abuse, cultism

    • Unveils 2026 peace, election plan

    Amid concerns of drug abuse, cultism and electoral violence, Centrefor Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ-Africa) has unveiled its 2026 plan to promote non-violent elections and sustainable development in Niger Delta and Nigeria.

    Addresing reporters while unveiling the Strategic Partnership Work Plan in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government of Delta State, National Coordinator, Sheriff Mulade, emphasised need to clamp down on  drug abuse, cultism and social vices among young Nigerians, particularly pupils.

    “Drug abuse and cultism are destroying the future of our children and undermining peace in our communities. That is why our 2026 plan prioritises early awareness campaigns to save lives and protect our future,” the organisation said.

    CEPEJ also announced a Non-Violent Election Programme, to include civic and voter education, poll observers, training of peace monitors, and dialogue to promote peaceful, free and transparent elections.

    “Elections should not be a battlefield. Through voter education and peace monitoring, we aim to reduce violence and promote tolerance among political actors,” CEPEJ noted.

    The 2026 work plan outlines interventions in over 15 states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano and FCT, covering peacebuilding, education, climate action, sports development, youth and women empowerment, governance and humanitarian support.

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    A major highlight is CEPEJ’s decision to re-present proposals for peacebuilding commissions in states to institutionalise conflict prevention and sustaining peaceful co-existence.

    “Peacebuilding must go beyond projects. We are re-engaging governments to set up peacebuilding commissions to boost stability, attract investors and create jobs,” he said.

    Other key initiatives include the Niger Delta Peace Support Fund, Back-to-School Educational Support Fund, climate and environmental awareness programmes, youth and women skills acquisition training, ethnic peace and unity football tournaments, ADR mediation centres, and humanitarian support for IDPs and disaster-affected communities.

    CEPEJ stressed that these programmes are critical to improving livelihoods, reducing violence and building resilience, especially in the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation, unemployment and insecurity continue to threaten development.

    CEPEJ also called on the Delta State Government to prioritise industrialisation as a pathway to economic growth and food security.

    “For Delta State’s economy to grow, we need deliberate industrialisation backed by reliable electricity. Industrial growth will create jobs, boost food security and reduce poverty and restiveness,” the CEPEJ boss stressed.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, development partners, traditional institutions and communities through communication, collaboration and co-operation, to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 plan.

  • Makogi monarch debunks allegations of land grabbing, cultism

    Makogi monarch debunks allegations of land grabbing, cultism

    The Olu of Makogi Kingdom in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Babatunde Akanni Shonola, has debunked recent reports accusing him of land grabbing, cultism, and sponsoring attacks against perceived rivals in the community.

    Oba Shonola, in a statement, said the allegations are false and politically motivated, orchestrated by a group of individuals who have refused to accept his legitimate emergence as the first crowned king of Makogi Kingdom. He stressed that the real issue stems from a protracted kingship and baaleship tussle, not criminality on his part.

    Over the past months, several online platforms (not The Nation) have reported that the monarch harassed residents, instigated machete attacks, and seized lands with impunity. However, Oba Shonola dismissed these claims as fabrications intended to discredit him and destabilise the peaceful community.

    According to Oba Shonola, the recent tension began when suspected hoodlums, dressed in matching blue outfits, invaded Makogi and began terrorising residents.

    The royal father stated that he promptly addressed a press conference and alerted the state police command. Following this, he said the Commissioner of Police ordered the SWAT unit to intervene, leading to the arrest of some suspects.

    On the allegation of land grabbing, Oba Shonola clarified that he was not involved in any illegal sale of community land. Instead, he claimed the land in question was sold by his accusers themselves.

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    Oba Shonola traced the root of the unrest to a baaleship dispute dating back to 2014, when he was selected to succeed the late Baale.

    The monarch appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in the matter and help restore peace and stability in the kingdom. He also called on the state government to formally revalidate his kingship under the G75 coronet Oba list, as the legal status remains valid pending appeal.

    “I want peace in Makogi. I call on our peace-loving Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, to look into this matter and reconfirm my position as the rightful Olu of Makogi Kingdom. I have made several peace overtures, but my opponents are bent on causing unrest,” he said.

    Oba Shonola debunked claims of orchestrating attacks or using thugs to intimidate residents. He described himself as a peace-loving and law-abiding leader.

  • Sacked governor’s aide suspended indefinitely by university for alleged cultism

    Sacked governor’s aide suspended indefinitely by university for alleged cultism

    The Alex Ekwueme University Ndufi-Alike Ikwo has suspended indefinitely one Alex Okemini for alleged cult-related activities.

    Okemini was until recently the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru on Security (Ebonyi North).

    He was sacked on Tuesday following controversy that arose during the Matriculation of the University.

    He was one of the new students admitted into the institution to study Political Science.

    But during the matriculation, he was pictured wearing an insignia suspected to belong to a secret cult group.

    The picture which trended on social media attracted condemnation with many calling for his sack by the governor and dismissal from the University.

    Nwifuru in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike announced the dismissal of Okemini.

    The University in a letter to Okemini on Friday followed suit by slamming an indefinite suspension on him.

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    The letter signed by Ifeanyi Igwe, Registrar of the institution said the suspension was due to cult-related behaviour allegations levelled against the student.

    The institution noted that the acts go against the matriculation oath Okemini took.

    The letter further said that he remained suspended pending the investigation by the institution.

    It read: “The Vice-Chancellor has considered the report on the allegation of cult-related behaviour levelled against you based on the display of cultism as shown on March 14, 2025, during the matriculation ceremony of the university.

    “You are hereby informed of your matriculation oath and the fact that cultism and cult-related activities are unacceptable and against the rules and regulations governing students’ activities in the university as well as a security and moral threat to the University Community.

    “Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Senate, has directed that you be suspended indefinitely from the university pending the outcome of the investigation of this matter by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee of the university.

    “You are, by this letter, hereby suspended from the University.

     This letter conveys the Vice-chancellor’s directive,” the letter added.

  • Rector to matriculants: be focused, shun cultism

    Rector to matriculants: be focused, shun cultism

    Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr Chioma Awuzie, has warned students of the institution against cultism and anti-social behaviour

    She urged them to stay focused on their academic and personal development.

    Awuzie gave the warning on Friday at the 41st Matriculation Ceremony of the institution.

    She also urged them to uphold integrity by avoiding examination malpractice, falsification of records and academic dishonesty.

    She said intelligence was not enough to make best graduate, adding that true excellence is attained with combination of intelligence and strength of character.

    Describing the institution as a citadel of academic excellence, innovation, and industrial relevance, the Rector identified character and learning as hallmark of true success.

    She said: “Today marks the formal beginning of an exciting and transformative academic journey for our newly admitted students.

    “You have joined a prestigious institution with a rich history of producing skilled professionals who are making remarkable contributions to national and global development.

    “Our administration is dedicated to promoting excellence in education, discipline, and innovation.

    “This commitment is driven by a 12-point agenda designed to strengthen our institution and position it as a center for technological creativity, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.

    “While this agenda covers various aspects of institutional growth, seven key areas are particularly relevant to students: academic reinvention and programme development; students’ welfare; discipline; anti-cultism; academic integrity; public relations and image management, and security.

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    “We do not only award certificates based on academic performance; we award them in both character and learning.

    “Intelligence alone is not enough to make one the best graduate; rather, true excellence is attained when intelligence is combined with strength of character.

    “The most intelligent student may not necessarily be the most successful in life.

    “To stand out and excel beyond this institution, you must uphold integrity, discipline, and good moral conduct.

    “Your education must shape not only your intellect but also your ethical values.

    “Therefore, as you embark on this academic journey, I urge you to balance knowledge acquisition with a strong character, as these are the qualities that will distinguish you in your career and personal life.”

    Congratulating the matriculating students for successful gainful admission, Awuzie reminded them that matriculation ceremony was not mere fun but call to responsibility.

    “Matriculation is not just a ceremony; it is a call to responsibility.

    “Your time here will shape your future, and success requires discipline, focus, and the right choices.

    “Be diligent in your studies; attend lectures regularly, study consistently, and actively engage in academic activities. Excellence is achieved through dedication,” she added.

  • Court jails man seven years for cultism

    Court jails man seven years for cultism

    An Ogun Special Anti-Cultism Court in Abeokuta yesterday sentenced a 36-year-old man, Oluwole Olushola, to seven years imprisonment for belonging to a secret cult.

    Olushola of no fixed address was convicted on a two-count charge of membership of an unlawful society and possession of dangerous weapon.

    The Magistrate, Mr O.L. Oke, said that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt.

    He sentenced the convict to seven years on count one and five years imprisonment on count two.

    Oke sentenced the convict without an option of fine, adding that the sentence should run concurrently.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Olaide Rawlings, told the court that the convict committed the offences on March 10 at Eloham Hostel, Harmony Estate at Camp Alabata area of Abeokuta.

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    Rawlings said that the convict was arrested by officers on patrol after they received a distress call over a cult rival clash.

    She said during the convict’s arrest he was found with a cutlass which he could not give a satisfactory account of.

    “Upon his arrest, the convict made a confessional statement of belonging to a Black Axe secret cult group,” she said.

    Rawlings, however, said the offences contravened Sections 34 and 80 of the Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Landed Properties, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Cultism and other Anti-Violence and other Related Offences Laws, 2016.

  • Shun cultism, indecent dressing, varsity warns fresh students

    Shun cultism, indecent dressing, varsity warns fresh students

    The Al-Hikmah University has warned fresh students to shun anti-social behaviours while on and off campus.

    It advised the students to eschew examination malpractices, sexual immorality and other vices.

    Vice Chancellor of the Islamic institution, Prof Noah Yusuf, said this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, during the matriculation of 1,243 students.

    He said: “My dear children please note that you have only one mission for enrolling at Al-Hikmah University -to obtain your first degree.

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    “I urge you to abide by the following advice: Do not be distracted by any extraneous event. Rather, be focused; work hard so that you can graduate in record time; shun bad company and be good ambassadors of your families, state and country; obey school rules and regulations, as contravention of any of university’s rules shall be met with stiff penalties. “

  • Shun cultism, indecent dressing, varsity warns fresh students

    Shun cultism, indecent dressing, varsity warns fresh students

    …matriculates 1,243 students 

    The Al-Hikmah University has warned its fresh student intakes to shun all forms of anti-social behaviours while on and off campus. 

    The school equally advised the students to eschew examination malpractices, sexual misbehavior.

    Vice chancellor of the faith-based Islamic institution, Prof Noah Yusuf said this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital during the matriculation ceremony of 1,243 students of the school.

    Prof Yusuf said: “My dear children, please note that you have only one mission for enrolling  in Al-Hikmah University –  to obtain your  first degree.

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    “I urge you to abide with the following admonitions: Do not be distracted by any extraneous events, rather be focussed; work hard so that you can graduate in record time; shun bad company and be good ambassadors of your respective families, your state and the nation; obey school rules and regulations as the contravention of any of university rules shall be met with stiff penalties; avoid of acts that are tantamount to negative tendencies which are against good character and learning; refraim from all  anti-social behaviours that could mare your academic success and your future; set a goal for yourself and work hard to attain such goal; endeavour to persevere in all situations; establish frienships with people who can support you to realise your life goal, not otherwise. 

    “Associate with fellow students who share similar ambition of academic success and excellence while moving away from those identified as social misfits.”

    “I am glad to inform our Matriculating students and the audience at today’s event that the University’s governing council has approved the commencement of medical programme in the 2024/2025 academic session.

    “Currently, the implementation committee is working hard to ensure that all requirements for National Universities Commission (NUC)’s resource verification are put in place to ensure the smooth take-off of the programme,” Prof Yusuf informed the audience.

  • Cultism and its impacts on society

    Cultism and its impacts on society

    By Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu

    SIR: Too many wrong information, especially on social media, is destroying our youths. There are people today who carry enchanted charms and marks, using them for evil purposes. Many wear charms, demonic rings and amulets used to harm and rob others. They put on amulets on their waists and evil rings on their fingers as fashion accessories. Southeast Nigeria experienced the dark side of cultism when young students in Ebonyi State University, Ikwo, chose nothing but the extreme beliefs and dictates of secret cultism in the early 2000s.

    The same scenario has come down to Nnamdi Azikiwe University. In the past one year, Awka the capital of Anambra State, has been witnessing an upsurge in killings, arson, deadly assault and rape being perpetrated by cultist. Many youths have joined secret cults as a way of life in quest for freedom and happiness. We may not be certain whether victims are members of rival gangs, but the trend has generated intimidation and terror amongst residents.

    Becoming a member of a secret cult may be due to family background or peer group influence. Some young boys and girls joined secret cults in school out of mere curiosity. The present structural unemployment in Nigeria has equally made some people join secret cults. Lack of self-confidence and perceived injustice are as well motivations for others. School administrators in some institutions are members of secret cults, thereby pressuring young ones to join. Exposure to violent films and other reckless lifestyles can as well predispose someone to become a member.

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    The effects of cultism on the society range from proliferation of arms, disruption of academic activities, distortion of societal values, vandalism and murder. Some people have tried different ways to get joy and have been led into evil schemes, addictions and wrong associations. Life of fornication, cheating, lying, smoking, drinking, womanizing, backbiting, unforgiveness, seduction, malice, etc., are all avenues to cultism. One of the ironies of human nature is that it often has a way of rejecting the best and accepting the worst. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” This is the conflict of the ages!

    Many thanks to the ‘Solution Initiative’ of Governor C. C. Soludo whose bill against cultism in the state has passed a second reading in the State House of Assembly. Parents should constantly monitor the behaviour of their children even while they are in school. Regular visits to check on them as well as financial support can go a long way in keeping them away from bad company. Students should be encouraged to join religious groups and cultivate the fear of God. Educational institutions and government should enact strong laws against cultism and enforce such laws strictly. Expulsion of students in secret cults and prosecution of lecturers who encourage or harbour cult members should be upheld. There should be proper enlightenment and good orientation for new intakes. Sports and recreational facilities should be made available to youths and students for extracurricular activities.

    In conclusion, tolerating cultism is tantamount to complicity in its perpetuation, imperiling the very foundation of society. By recognising the insidious nature of cults and taking decisive action to confront them, communities can safeguard their members against exploitation and manipulation. Only through collective vigilance and unwavering resolve can society stem the tide of cultism and preserve the values of freedom, integrity and justice for generations to come.

    • Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu, Agulu.

  • Oriade residents decry rate of cultism in Ibassa Ijegun community

    Oriade residents decry rate of cultism in Ibassa Ijegun community

    The Ibassa/Ijegun-Egba Youth Association in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos has decried the high rate of cultism in the area.

    Chairman of the association, Kareem Idowu, said in a statement that the residents found it difficult to sleep in their houses or walk around the community freely without fear of being attacked.

    The chairman said there had been serious unrest because of the deadly cultists’ activities in the community.

    “Residents and indigenes of our community are finding it difficult to walk freely; the merchants cannot go about their businesses without fear.

    “The children can no longer go to school and all the activities of the community have been placed on hold due to the criminal activities of these notorious cult members that have taken over our peaceful community.

    “Their notorious actions do not only affect the community mentally, but it has also affected our community psychologically and economically,” Idowu said.

    He said the problem started as a battle between rival cults, but later turned into other things, such as daylight robbery, extortion, attempted rape of the young girls in the community.

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    “They now brutalise and intimidate innocent members of the community with guns, cutlass, axes, and other dangerous weapons.

    “These cult members are not indigenes, nor do they originate from our community.

    “It’s crystal clear that evil minds are being sponsored by some undesirable elements within the town and using the current situation to achieve their dastardly mission in the community,” the chairman said.

    General Secretary of the association, Mr Wakili Jaiyeolu, was quoted as  saying the town is rooted in Yoruba culture, where members co-exist in peace and harmony.

    “But as we speak now, the reverse is the case. Cultists have taken over the community’s sanity.

    “They are fully armed and connected. They are quick in getting security reports and other information, therefore, making community members scared of divulging their criminal activities.

    “These notorious cults are based in some specific areas of the community, notably Zone II (Origerigan), New Site, Oladele Street, Liadi Street, Rasaq Odunewu Street, Akintanmide Street, Muse Anidu Street.

    “Other areas are Alhaji Mutiu Street, Alebiosu Street, Adeoshodi Street, Maiyegun Street and some other strategic parts of Ijegun-Egba community.

    “The prevailing continuous criminal activities in the community have left us with no option other than to flee the community in search of safety and our wellbeing,” Jaiyeolu said.

    He urged the Lagos State Government, the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant agencies to come to their rescue before the situation got out of hand.

    “On behalf of the entire Ibassa Ijegun-Egba community, we are appealing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, to come to our aid.

    “We are law-abiding citizens and we will give total support to the Nigeria Police to eradicate cultism, as we are the victims of these continuous incidents.

    “We will use every legal means to reinstate peace back in the community, because we believe in upholding the principles of equity and good conscience within the society.

    “We also desire to foster an environment where every member of the community can live in peace and harmony,” Jaiyeolu added.

  • New CP declares war on cultism 

    New CP declares war on cultism 

    The new Commissioner of Police (CP) for Edo, Funsho Adeboye, officially assumed duty in Benin yesterday,

    with a warning to cult members disturbing the peace of the state to leave or face the full weight of the law.

    The CP also warned officers and men of the command to stay away from corruption and other infractions while carrying out their duties.

    Adeboye, who was received by top officers of the command, said his administration would be propelled by democratic policing and fear of God.

    He said “cultism is a dangerous trend which we are ready to curb. “The Inspector General of Police has resolved that this menace of cultism should be curbed.”

     without reservation and Gov. Godwin Obaseki is

    on the same page with the police’s resolve on cultism.”

    He added that the command under his watch, would not not fold its arms and allow cult groups to dent the image of this administration.

    “My main priority as commissioner of police in Edo is to put an end to cultism through lawful means,” he said.

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    He advised parents and guadians to warn their children and wards to desist from cultism as those disturbing the peace of the public

    were going to be apprehended and diligently prosecuted.

    “I want to also call for the cooperation of the judiciary so that any person arrested for contravening the law would not go unpunished.

    “I also want to call on the public to give useful information to the police to nip the crime in the bud.

    “I want to call on journalists as well, to support the police in the fight against crime and criminality.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeboye took over from CP Muhammed Dankwara, who was posted

    to the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.