Weeks after he declared a state of emergency in three states
to combat Boko Haram, and one year after he originally said he would defeat the
group, Goodluck Jonathan has formally
pinned the tag of terrorism on it.
A State House press statement said Mr. Jonathan has approved
the proscription of the group and authorized the gazetting of an order
declaring its activities illegal and acts of terrorism.
The order, issued pursuant to Section 2 0f the Terrorism
Prevention Act, 2011, as amended, comes one day after the United States
announced a $7 million bounty on Boko Haram leader Ibrahim Shekau.
Gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order)
Notice 2013, it affects Boko Haram (Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad)
as well as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi
Biladis Sudan.
“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 statement said.
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.
The statement pointed out that under the Act, such
"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.
Source: Sahara Reporters
