President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday formally approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorised the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and acts of terrorism.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
Abati 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.
He said the order 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.
Abati said the order was approved by the President pursuant to Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).
“It officially brings the activities of both groups within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act.
“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,” he said.
Abati explained the words “support” in Section 5 subsection 1 of the Act to include 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.
The word `support’ also means 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
It also means the “receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group, as well as entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group”.
According to Abati, the word `support’ also means 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”.
