President Goodluck Jonathan has formally approved the proscription of the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram and authorized the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and acts of terrorism.
The group has carried out series of deadly attacks that have claimed thousands of lives and rendered properties worth millions of naira destroyed in various parts of the north and the Federal capital City, Abuja.
According to a statement by Presidential Media Adviser, Reuben Abati, the order which has been gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013 affects both Boko Haram (Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad) and another group – Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan was approved by President Jonathan pursuant to section 2 0f the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).
It officially brings the activities of both groups within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act and any persons associated with the two groups can now be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.
The proscription order warns the general public that any person “participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the collective intentions of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act”.
Section 5 (1) of the act prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.
For the purposes of subsection (1) of section, “support” includes –
(a) incitement to commit a terrorist act through the internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information;
(b) receipt or provision of material assistance, weapons including biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, explosives, training, transportation, false documentation or identification to terrorists or terrorist groups;
(c) receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group;
(d) entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; or
(e) the provision of, or making available, such financial or other related services prohibited under this Act or as may be prescribed by regulations made pursuant to this Act.
Recently, President Jonathan declared emergency rule in three north-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, as part of the measures to contain the activities of the insurgents in the north.
Also, the United States on Monday placed $23 million ransom on key leaders of the sect. Reacting, Abati described the US action as a welcome development, saying “it is a positive development. We welcome any effort of the international community to support Nigeria’s effort at waging war against terrorism and its perpetrators”.
