GEJ Proscribes Boko Haram, Ansaru… Supporters To Be Prosecuted Under Terror Act

SAN FRANCISCO, June 04, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday pressed further with his pledge to end terrorism in Nigeria with his formal approval of the proscription of Boko Haram and authorized the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and acts of terrorism.

A statement by Reuben Abati, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said, 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).

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for dozens of deadly attacks in northern Nigeria.

The United States Government Monday through its Rewards for Justice program placed a bounty of US$7m on Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Boko Haram.

The full text of the emailed statement banning Boko Haram and Ansaru reads:

“PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPROVES ORDER PROSCRIBING BOKO HARAM AND ANSARU, MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS, COLLABORATORS NOW FACE PROSECUTION UNDER TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT

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.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 4, 2103.”