The Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, November 25, declared the activities of bandits in Nigeria as acts of terrorism.
The court ruled that the “Yan Bindiga group”, “Yan Ta’adda group” and another similar group in any part of the country are active terrorists.
Taiwo Taiwo, the presiding judge, gave the order on an ex parte motion filed by the federal government.
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M. B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice, filed an ex-parte motion stating that the President, Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for his action.
A supporting affidavit, filed by Aminu Kayode Alilu of the ministry, explained why the application was made.It stated that Yan Bindiga, Yan Ta’adda, and others were responsible for “wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest and North-central states”.
It also alleged that the group is responsible for the increased rate of “kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings”.
“acts of terrorism that can lead to a breakdown of public order and safety and is a threat to national security and the corporate existence of Nigeria”. the government added
Justice Taiwo proscribed Yan Bindiga, Yan Ta’adda, and all bandit clusters “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called”.
The judge directed the Federal Government to publish the proscription order in the official gazette and two national dailies.
Bandits Are Not Terrorists, They Only Commit Terrorism – Sheikh Gumi
