The Ogun State Executive Council has approved four landmark bills aimed at tackling cultism, ritual killings, violent crimes, extortion and the growing challenge of missing persons, in a move the government says will further strengthen security and protect lives and investments across the state.
The approval was granted at the council meeting held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as part of the administration of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s efforts to reinforce Ogun State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest destinations for residents, businesses and investors.
The proposed legislations, the Group Liability for Offences of Violence, Extortion and Secret Societies (GLOVES) Bill, the Victims’ Rights Bill, the Human Sacrifice Prevention and Prohibition Bill, and the Missing Persons Bill, will be transmitted to the Ogun State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
Speaking on the development, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, described the bills as a comprehensive legal response to crimes that have become prevalent or pose emerging threats to public safety in the state.
According to him, the GLOVES Bill seeks to dismantle criminal organisations by making every member of an unlawful or proscribed group jointly liable for crimes committed by fellow members in pursuit of the group’s objectives.
“The proposed legislation is designed to ensure that members of violent gangs, cult groups and similar criminal organisations cannot evade responsibility by distancing themselves from offences carried out by their associates,” Ogungbade said.
On the Victims’ Rights Bill, the Attorney General explained that the legislation would establish, for the first time in Ogun State, a structured legal framework for protecting and supporting victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process.
He said the bill goes beyond compensation and restitution by guaranteeing attention to victims’ welfare during investigations, bail proceedings, prosecution and the incarceration of offenders, while also providing support even where suspects are not eventually charged.
“It also provides for the establishment of a statutory office dedicated to protecting victims’ interests and coordinating advocacy on their behalf,” he added.
Ogungbade noted that the Human Sacrifice Prevention and Prohibition Bill specifically addresses the menace of ritual killings by recognising human sacrifice as a distinct criminal offence requiring specialised legal treatment.
He explained that existing criminal laws were not specifically designed to address ritual related crimes, leaving significant gaps in prosecution and punishment.
“The proposed law introduces modern legal mechanisms to effectively combat the entire chain of activities associated with ritual killings,” he stated.
Speaking on the Missing Persons Bill, the commissioner said the legislation would strengthen investigations by creating a clear statutory framework to guide law enforcement agencies in handling missing persons cases.
According to him, the bill will eliminate legal bottlenecks that often delay investigations, particularly in accessing financial records, personal information and other materials critical to locating missing persons or identifying those responsible for their disappearance.
Ogungbade said the legislative package aligns with Governor Abiodun’s commitment to ensuring that Ogun State remains peaceful, secure and conducive to sustainable economic growth.
“As Ogun State continues to attract significant domestic and foreign investments, strengthening the legal framework for public safety has become imperative to protecting lives, property and businesses while sustaining investor confidence,” he said.
The Attorney General disclosed that the four bills would be forwarded to the Ogun State House of Assembly in the coming days for consideration and passage, expressing confidence that the proposed laws would significantly enhance the state’s capacity to combat organised crime and improve public safety.
