The Ogun State Executive Council has approved four landmark bills designed to tackle violent crimes, ritual killings, cultism, extortion, and the growing challenge of missing persons across the state.
The approval was granted during the Council meeting held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to deploy robust legislative measures to address emerging security threats and reinforce public safety.
The proposed legislations, comprising the Group Liability for Offences of Violence, Extortion and Secret Societies 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 in the coming days.
Speaking on the development, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), stated that the bills represent a comprehensive legal response to crimes that are either prevalent or increasingly becoming a threat to public safety in the state.
Ogungbade explained that the GLOVES Bill is aimed at dismantling criminal organisations by making every member of an unlawful or proscribed group jointly liable for crimes committed by fellow members in furtherance of the objectives of the group. He noted that the proposed law seeks 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.
He stated that the Victims’ Rights Bill will establish a structured legal framework for the protection and support of victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process in Ogun State. Beyond compensation and restitution, the bill guarantees attention to the welfare of victims during investigations, bail proceedings, prosecution, and incarceration of offenders, as well as situations where suspects are not ultimately charged. The law also provides for the establishment of a statutory office dedicated to protecting the interests of victims and coordinating advocacy on their behalf.
Regarding the Human Sacrifice Prevention and Prohibition Bill, the Attorney-General noted that the legislation specifically confronts the menace of ritual killings and human sacrifice by recognising them as distinct criminal offences requiring specialised legal treatment. He observed that existing criminal laws were not designed with ritual-related crimes in mind, thereby 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.
Ogungbade further disclosed that the Missing Persons Bill is intended to strengthen investigations into missing persons cases by creating a clear statutory framework to guide law enforcement agencies. The legislation is expected to remove 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.
The Attorney-General stated that the legislative package aligns with the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensuring that Ogun State remains peaceful, secure, and conducive to economic growth. He observed that as the state continues to attract significant domestic and foreign investments, strengthening the legal framework for public safety has become imperative to protect lives, property, and businesses while sustaining investor confidence.
He confirmed that the four bills would be forwarded to the Ogun State House of Assembly in the coming days for consideration and passage.
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