IPOB members, others risk severe penalties for separatists agitation – Reps

The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, a legislative bill designed to impose harsh penalties on individuals and groups involved in separatist activities or actions that incite inter-group or sectional conflicts.

According to The Sun, the proposed bill stipulates that those convicted of such offenses could face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of N10 million, or both. The bill’s explanatory memoranda clarify that it aims to criminalize a broad spectrum of subversive activities, targeting associations, organizations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities that threaten national unity and peace.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Sunday Igboho have agitated for the separate nations of Biafra and Oduduwa/Yoruba respectively.

The Bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is set for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated.

The Bill stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

Meanwhile, it states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction.

However, the Bill imposes a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of insulting, defaming, embarrassing, or bringing into disrepute the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, state, or federal government.

Sections 2, 5, 6, and 10 of the proposed legislation further state that any person who engages in activities that foster mutual suspicion, mistrust, or intolerance, leading to conflict and violence that threatens Nigeria’s corporate existence, peace, and security, commits an offense and is liable to a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.

“A person who forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private place, arena, or a similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge or other similar activities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.

“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both.

“A person who receives financial or political support from a foreign organisation, group or country that is not compatible with the interest, development, security and progress of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N15 million or imprisonment for a term of 20 years or both.”

Sections 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 20 of the bill stipulate that any individual, group, or organisation involved in activities that undermine national security, disrupt community harmony, disturb peaceful coexistence, or impede law and order will be deemed to have committed an offense. Upon conviction, the penalty is a fine of N3 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The bill further reads, “A person, group or organisation that persistently disregards, disobeys, or disrespects constituted authority, rules, regulations, order or contravenes the law wilfully, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to three years imprisonment at the first instance, and seven years for a subsequent offence or to a fine of N5 million or both.

“A person who habitually violates the law, refuses or prevents arrest, disrupts legal processes or proceedings, engages in contrary behaviour or persistent and recalcitrant, defiance and rebellion against constituted authority, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or seven years imprisonment or both.

“A person who establishes, creates, operates or maintains, funds, supports or assists a paramilitary group, guard, brigade, organisation, corps, union, militia, cult or bandit group under whatever name or guise, except established by laws passed by the National Assembly or State House of Assembly, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10 million or 15 years imprisonment or both.”

Sections 17 and 20 stipulate that any individual who unlawfully constructs a structure on or occupies a public place, road, or field without authorisation from the relevant authorities commits an offence. Upon conviction, the individual is liable to a fine of N1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

“A person, who owns, possesses, produces, distributes, imports, handles, uses military, police or intelligence agency’s uniforms, emblems or accoutrements, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N2 million or imprisonment for a term of two years or both,” it reads.