President Goodluck Jonathan has
formally approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorized the gazetting
of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and acts of terrorism.
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.
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