In a significant move to combat cultism, the Ogun State government has established a special court dedicated solely to trying cult-related cases.
According to the PUNCH, the announcement was made by the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, during a security summit organized by the state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students and the National Association of Ogun State Students on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, Alamutu praised the state government’s initiative, highlighting that the specialized court would ease the burden on regular courts and bolster security efforts against cultism.
Represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Haruna Adams, Alamutu emphasized the pervasive impact of cultism on other criminal activities in the state.
“Cultism is the root of all other crimes in the state, including armed robbery,” he stated, noting that many criminals often graduate from cultism to more serious offenses.
He further explained that the new court would exclusively handle cultism cases, expediting the judicial process and allowing for more focused law enforcement efforts.
“The creation of this court will help us significantly reduce the issues of cultism in the state,” Alamutu said.
The summit, themed “Economic/Political Approach In Combating Insecurity,” also saw the inauguration of new executive members of NANS and NAOSS in Ogun State. Discussions at the event highlighted the importance of economic stability and political strategies in addressing security challenges.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Azeez Adeyemi, called for collaboration between security agencies, students, and other stakeholders to enhance security in the state. He underscored the role of economic well-being and education in reducing vulnerability to criminal activities.
Adeyemi remarked, “An economically engaged and self-sufficient individual is less likely to engage in criminal acts. Well-trained and educated youths contribute positively to society and the economy, reducing the inclination toward crime.”
In addressing highway robbery, Alamutu detailed ongoing efforts, including deploying patrol teams to strategic boundary points with Lagos State and other neighboring states, which has significantly reduced incidents of armed robbery along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The establishment of the special court marks a proactive step by the Ogun State government to address the root causes of crime and improve overall security for its residents.
