House of Reps Proposes Harsh Penalties for Separatist Agitation: 25 Years in Prison, N10 Million Fine

House of Reps Proposes Harsh Penalties for Separatist Agitation: 25 Years in Prison, N10 Million Fine

The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which proposes severe penalties for individuals involved in separatist movements or activities that incite inter-group or sectional conflicts. The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is set for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone convicted of engaging in such activities could face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of N10 million, or both. The bill’s explanatory notes highlight its intent to criminalize subversive activities by various groups, including associations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities.

The bill specifically targets actions like destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem, defacing places of worship to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government. Convicted individuals could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Further penalties include a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both for setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organizing unlawful processions.

Additionally, the bill proposes a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of insulting, defaming, or embarrassing the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, or any level of government.
The legislation also addresses activities that foster mutual suspicion, mistrust, or intolerance leading to conflict and violence, threatening Nigeria’s peace and security. Offenders could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
In more extreme cases, those who take over places of worship, town halls, schools, or public spaces through coercion or deceit could face a fine of N5 million or 10 years in prison. Individuals pledging loyalty to organizations that disregard Nigeria’s sovereignty could be fined N3 million or imprisoned for four years.
The bill also targets individuals who receive financial or political support from foreign entities that conflict with Nigeria’s interests, with penalties including a fine of N15 million or 20 years in prison.

Additional sections of the bill impose penalties on those who undermine national security, disrupt community harmony, or disobey laws and regulations. Such offenses could result in a fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both. Repeat offenders could face even harsher penalties, including a seven-year prison sentence or a fine of N5 million.
Finally, the bill proposes a fine of N10 million or 15 years in prison for anyone involved in creating, funding, or supporting paramilitary groups, militias, or similar organizations not established by law.
As the bill moves closer to becoming law, it signals the government’s intent to crack down on separatist agitations and other activities deemed a threat to Nigeria’s unity and security.