The House of Representatives is examining a proposed law that would impose a 25-year prison sentence, a ₦10 million fine, or both on individuals convicted of making statements or taking actions that incite separatist movements or stir inter-group conflicts in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, is being deliberated in the House and seeks to criminalize subversive activities conducted by various groups, including associations, organizations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities in the country.
Sponsored by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, the Bill is scheduled for a second reading, during which its general principles will be debated.
According to the Bill’s explanatory memorandum, its primary objective is to address and penalize acts that threaten national unity and security. The legislation is designed to curb activities that could incite violence, promote separatist agendas, or undermine the Federal Government.
In addition to targeting separatist actions, the Bill also outlines penalties for various forms of subversive behavior. For instance, anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing places of worship with the intent to cause violence, or subverting the Federal Government could face a fine of ₦5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
The Bill further prescribes penalties for individuals involved in illegal activities that disrupt public order. Those convicted of setting up unauthorized roadblocks, engaging in illegal traffic control, imposing unauthorized curfews, or conducting illegal processions could be liable to a fine of ₦2 million, a five-year prison sentence, or both.
Moreover, the legislation proposes a fine of ₦4 million or a two-year prison term for anyone convicted of defaming, embarrassing, or discrediting the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, state, or federal government.
Sections 2, 5, 6, and 10 of the proposed legislation state:
“A person who engages in activities that result in mutual suspicion, mistrust, or intolerance, leading to conflict and violence that threaten the corporate existence, peace, and security of the federation of Nigeria, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.
“A person who forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private place, arena, or similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge, or other similar activities, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.
“A person who professes loyalty, pledges, or agrees to belong to an organization that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both.
“A person who receives financial or political support from a foreign organization, group, or country that is not compatible with the interest, development, security, and progress of Nigeria, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦15 million or imprisonment for a term of 20 years or both.”
Additional sections of the bill outline the following:
“Every person, group, or organization that engages in activities undermining national security, harmonious community interaction, peaceful coexistence, and the maintenance of law and order commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦3 million or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.
“A person, group, or organization that persistently disregards, disobeys, or disrespects constituted authority, rules, regulations, or orders, or willfully contravenes the law, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to three years imprisonment at the first instance, and seven years for a subsequent offense, or to a fine of ₦5 million or both.
“A person who habitually violates the law, refuses or prevents arrest, disrupts legal processes or proceedings, or engages in persistent defiance and rebellion against constituted authority, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦5 million or seven years imprisonment or both.
“A person who establishes, creates, operates, maintains, funds, supports, or assists a paramilitary group, guard, brigade, organization, corps, union, militia, cult, or bandit group under any name or guise, except as established by laws passed by the National Assembly or State House of Assembly, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦10 million or 15 years imprisonment or both.”
The bill also addresses other unlawful activities:
“A person who illegally constructs a structure or takes over a public place, road, or field without permission from the authority in charge of the place, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦1 million or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.
“A person who owns, possesses, produces, distributes, imports, handles, or uses military, police, or intelligence agency uniforms, emblems, or accouterments, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦2 million or imprisonment for a term of two years or both.”
