House of Reps initiate bill to curb terrorism funding
- A bill aimed at criminalising terrorism financing in the country has passed through second reading in the House of Representatives
- The importance of the proposed law cannot be over-emphasised
- The need for such a bill became imperative considering the destruction and damage terrorism has done to Nigeria
A report by New Telegraph indicates that a bill aimed at criminalising terrorism financing in the country has passed through second reading in the House of Representatives.
According to the report, the bill was scaled through the second stage just before the lower house proceeded on its end of year holiday.
The bill seeks to criminalise international terrorism, funding of terrorism and seizure of terrorists cash and property.
The need for such a bill became imperative considering the destruction and damage terrorism has done to Nigeria in the last decade.
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The bill is co-sponsored by Honourable Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno) and Honourable Ahmed Babba Kaita (APC, Katsina)
It is titled: “A bill for an act to make provisions for offences relating to terrorism, prohibit the financing of terrorism and consolidate all acts relating to terrorism, and a bill for an act to amend the terrorism act of 2011 for the purpose of applying stringent prison terms for offences of terrorism, and remove the ambiguities in the act and for related matters.”
The bill prohibits the manufacturing, possession, acquisition, transportation, supply or use of weapons, explosives or nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, as well as research into, and development of biological and chemical weapons without lawful authority.
It also prohibits dealings with charities linked to terrorist groups, request from foreign states and to foreign states on extradition of persons involved in terrorist activities.
Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Monguno expressed optimism that the bill, when passed into law will checkmate terrorism and afford Nigeria to join the comity of Nations in the fight against terrorism.
His words: “The bill will encourage investment and deter any person whether within or outside, who intends to carry out any terrorist activity in Nigeria.”
The bill has since been referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence for further legislative action.
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Accordingly, the green chamber has put in place mechanism that would fast track the passage of the proposed law.
Meanwhile, Nigerian troops have in the last eight days arrested 1400 suspected Boko Haram members as they move to end the insurgency in the Northeast.
Source: Legit.ng
