The Nigerian Senate
yesterday unanimously endorsed the death penalty for any person engaged
in acts of terrorism in the country. The penalties were contained in
a conference report on a Bill for an Act to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 and for other related matters.
The Nation writes that the report was earlier stepped down because some senators opposed the designation of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to co-ordinate counter terrorism. But yesterday, the Clause was retained as part of the Act.
According to provisions of the bill, it prohibits “all acts of terrorism and financing of terrorism”.
It also states that “A person or body
corporate who knowingly in or outside Nigeria directly or indirectly
willingly; does, attempts or threatens any act of terrorism or commits
an act preparatory to or in furtherance of an act of terrorism; or omits
to do anything that is reasonably necessary to prevent an act of
terrorism or assists or facilitates the activities of persons engaged in
an act of terrorism or is an accessory to any offence under this Act or
participates as an accomplice in or contributes to offences under the
Act, assists, facilitates, organises or directs the activities of
persons or organisation engaged in any act of terrorism or is an
accessory to any act of terrorism; incites, promises or induces any
other person by any means whatsoever to commit any act of terrorism or
any of the offences referred to in this Act commits an offence under
this Act and is liable on conviction to maximum of death sentence.”
Earlier, the Senate version prescribed
life imprisonment for offences under the Clause while the House of
Representatives’ version prescribed death penalty.
The report said after deliberation, the House’s version of death penalty for acts of terrorism was adopted.
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What are your thoughts on the death penalty for acts of terrorism? Is this welcoming news?
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