A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday proscribed bandit groups, declaring them as terrorists.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo specifically, held that activities of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda bandit groups that operates in the North West, North Central and other parts of the country constitute acts of terrorism.
The court’s proclamation was sequel to an ex-parte motion filed by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Justice. The FG had in an affidavit it filed in support of the motion, told the Court that intelligence reports affirmed that the bandit groups masterminded several killings, abductions, and related acts of criminality in the North-West, North-Central and other parts of the country.
The government noted that the activities of the groups have resulted in the disruption of commercial, educational and farming activities in the North-West and North-Central regions.
The Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (FDPP), Mohammed Abubakar, told the Court that perturbed by actions of the bandits, President Muhammadu Buhari, gave approval for their proscription and designation as terrorists groups.
Justice Taiwo, accordingly granted the motions as prayed, declaring the activities of the Yan Bindiga group, the Yan Ta’adda group and other similar groups in any part of the country, as acts of terrorism and illegality.
The Court further outlawed the activities of the groups and other similar groups in any part of Nigeria.
It further made an order restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever, in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the Yan Bindiga group and the Yan Ta’adda group under any other name or platform however called or described.
Justice Taiwo further ordered the FG to publish the proscription order in the official gazette as well as in two national dailies.
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