The Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, HRH Ezelekhae Ewuare II has declared his support for the campaign against cultism in Edo state but cautioned against alleged harassment of young men by the police in the guise of fishing out suspected kidnappers.

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Secretary, Cosmos Oviasuyi, Prince Ewuare II said “This is a clarion call to all Benin sons and daughters to shun cultism which has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society and threatens to uproot the foundation of our kingdom.

“Benin Kingdom and its people have a very rich history of brotherliness and hospitality, its reputation in these remains unequalled over the years and centuries.

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“It is disheartening that in recent times, this age long reputation is under threat as a result of cult related activities and clashes which has led to loss of valuable lives with the senseless killing of vibrant young boys and destruction of properties.

“Many young women have become widows as a result of the killing of their husbands and many young children have become orphans as a result of the killing of their fathers.

“On this note, I call on all and sundry to support the efforts of the current state government to check the menace of cultism in our dear state because no meaningful development can take place in a place where there is no peace.

“However, there have been complaints from our people on the activities of policemen in the course of implementing the government’s position on the issue of cultism.

“The alleged harassment by men of the police force against our innocent young ones is becoming a counterproductive strategy adopted by the police.

“Even though we are against the activities of cultism and cultists, making them run away from their homeland because of fear of being harassed is disagreeable.”

The Department of State Services has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Pat Utomi, from proceeding with his alleged plans to hold rallies related to a suit pending before the court concerning his plans to establish a shadow government.

In a fresh application filed on Wednesday through its lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS requested the court to restrain Utomi and his associates from making public comments or engaging in rallies concerning the proposed formation of a “shadow government.”

According to the DSS, intelligence reports indicate that although Utomi is currently out of the country, he plans to return on June 6 to stage roadshows and rallies under the guise of freedom of speech and association.

These actions, the DSS alleges, are intended to foment public discontent in furtherance of the establishment of a purported shadow government or cabinet.

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Recall that the DSS earlier instituted a suit against Utomi before the court over his alleged plans to create a shadow government.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeks to have the move declared unconstitutional and an attempt to usurp the authority of the current government.

Justice James Omotosho has fixed June 25 for the hearing of the case.

However, in its latest motion, the DSS expressed dissatisfaction with Utomi’s alleged plans to engage in protests, roadshows, media interviews, and other activities.

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It proceeded to ask the court to issue an interlocutory injunction to restrain him, his associates, and anyone acting on his behalf from organising any public gatherings, publishing media content, or engaging in activities promoting the purported shadow government until the substantive suit is resolved.

The DSS argues that if left unchecked, the proposed rallies and related actions would pose a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity.

The DSS further contended that as the agency tasked with safeguarding internal security, it is its duty to prevent any threat to the lawful authority of Nigeria.

In its supporting affidavit, the DSS claimed that Utomi’s proposed activities could draw large crowds, leading to potential disruptions of public peace, riots, and violent protests similar to the 2020 End SARS demonstrations.

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It further alleged that such actions could result in anarchy, loss of lives, and damage to property.

The DSS also referenced a recent event on May 26, where Professor Utomi spoke during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association. At the event, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity,” Professor Utomi reportedly defended the concept of a shadow government and stated that if the suit succeeded in favour of the DSS, his group would adopt a different name.

The DSS noted that Professor Utomi had been served with the originating process in this case and had entered an appearance through his counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), on May 20, 2025.

“Unless this honourable court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s actions may undermine the authority of the court and pose a serious threat to national security and the rule of law,” the DSS stated.

It also urged the court to act in the interest of justice, national security, and public order.

Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State has transmitted an executive bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at regulating the activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related practitioners across the state.

The proposed legislation, titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance, and Order,” seeks to outlaw money rituals, criminal bulletproof charms, and the unlawful use or occupation of forests and properties for criminal activities.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the media office of the governor, the bill also mandates private security outfits to register with the state government and provide particulars of armed security operatives.

The bill also mandates private security outfits to register with the state government and provide details of all armed personnel. Additionally, presidents-general of town unions are required to submit regular security reports to local government chairmen.

Landlords and proprietors of hotels and guest houses must obtain and submit valid identification details, phone numbers, occupations, and places of work of tenants and guests to the relevant authorities.

The bill prescribes penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.

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Specifically, Section 3(1) of the proposed bill states: “Every person who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department, or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”

Practising without registration attracts a fine of not less than ₦1 million and not more than ₦5 million, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Section 15 provides that: “Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice—including, but not limited to, practices commonly referred to as okite, ezenwanyi, or any other mystical or ritual name or form—administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person for the purpose of: (a) achieving invincibility or other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or (b) acquiring wealth or benefits through supernatural means outside any lawful source of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years or to a fine of not less than ₦5 million, or both.”

The bill further states that anyone who falsely claims to possess supernatural powers or misleads the public for personal gain or influence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for three years or a fine of not less than ₦3 million, or both.

It also provides that anyone claiming spiritual powers must provide reasonable proof of such abilities during investigation.

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In a similar vein, Section 16 prescribes six years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, or both, for anyone who uses or knowingly permits the use of any religious facility for the commission or facilitation of a crime. Such facilities will be sealed pending the outcome of investigations.

Section 17 states: “Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs, or participates in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts—or causes another person to do so—commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”

Under Section 13, “Any person found in a camp, bush, or forest within Enugu State without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to suspicion of involvement in criminal activity, shall be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for proper investigation.”

Regarding the use of forests and property for criminal purposes, the bill proposes: “Any person who owns, occupies, or has control over any land or building—whether located in a forest or elsewhere—and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout, or base for kidnapping, unlawful detention, ransom collection, or any activity connected to banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to twenty (20) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

Furthermore, any person who knowingly allows non-security personnel to reside, camp, or establish a settlement on their land—except for farming—shall face two years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.

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Failure to report suspicious use of one’s property to security agencies is also punishable by a two-year prison term without an option of a fine.

According to the bill, “Subject to Section 3 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law 2016, any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State.”

Additionally, any money, property, or proceeds of crimes such as theft, robbery, or kidnapping will be forfeited to the state unless a lawful owner comes forward within a reasonable time.

The bill also mandates private security firms to register with the State Government and provide full details of the company and all armed operatives. Town union presidents-general are required to submit monthly security reports to local government chairmen or other designated departments.

Landlords, hotel and guest house operators, and estate associations are mandated to collect and transmit valid identification and contact information of tenants and guests to relevant authorities.

All hospitality establishments are also required to install surveillance cameras in public areas and submit recordings to the appropriate agencies upon request.

Penalties for non-compliance range from fines of not less than ₦500,000 for landlords to ₦1 million for proprietors.