Hate speech: Police set to descend on offenders

Purveyors of hate speeches may soon be in for a hard time.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has set in
motion necessary arrangements for prosecution of offenders under
the Terrorism Prevention Act.

Under Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Act, which became law in
2011 and got amended for greater effectiveness in 2013,
terrorism-related offences, including harbouring or facilitating
offenders, attracts sanctions including jail terms ranging from 10
to 20 years.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo first dropped hint of government’s
intention to henceforth deal with authors of hate speech after a
coalition of Arewa youth organoffendersizations gave Igbo residing
in the north until October 1 to move out of the area.

President Muhammadu Buhari backed the move on Tuesday when he
directed the security agencies to go after those threatening the
nation’s unity through hate speeches.

The quit notice was withdrawn on Thursday by its authors.

Speaking with our correspondent in Abuja, the spokesman of the
Nigeria Police Force, Moshood Jimoh, said IGP Idris had already
mapped out an action plan in addition to giving firm directives to
top police chiefs for implementation of the new law across the
federation.

Jimoh said: “Dealing with various aspects of the issue of hate
speech dissemination on social media is essentially the
responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.

“This is because such an act is criminal in nature and the
police has jurisdiction over criminal matters.

“The IGP has put in place an action plan towards dealing with
this effectively.

“The aim of the police force is to ensure that anybody who
engages in the use or dissemination of hate speeches is arrested
and prosecuted.

“It does not matter whether they disseminate it through social
media or through the conventional mass media like radio, television
or any other media.

“They are culpable of an offence and they will be prosecuted,”
Jimoh stated.

Waving off questions about the likely treatment of various
interest groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and
their counterparts in the North and South-West, he emphasised that
there would not be any selective treatment of offenders, as the law
is no respecter of persons.

“No organisation or individual is exempted. Anyone who infringes
the law should be prepared for arrest or other consequences,” he
said.

Giving further insight into the arrangements made by the police
to ensure strict implementation of its action plan against hate
speech, Jimoh said: “The IGP has directed all Assistant Inspectors
General (AIGs) of Police and all Commissioners of Police across
Nigeria, including those in charge of commands or in charge of
zones, to ensure that anybody in any state who goes ahead to issue
hate speech is promptly arrested and prosecuted.

“You may recall that the Vice President had made it clear to
everyone that hate speech is like terrorism. Thus, we are going to
charge offenders under the Terrorism Prevention Act, and people
should be forewarned that it is a grievous offence to infringe on
the provisions of such laws.”

Evans faces trial soon
Giving an update on police investigation of suspected kidnapper,
Evans, the Force spokesman said everything was going on according
to expectations.

Jimoh said: “Investigation is being rounded off. The three
months given us by the court to remand him in police custody has
not lapsed.

“From available indications, it is likely that he will be taken
to the court before the expiration of the three-month period.”

Purveyors of hate speeches may soon be in for a hard
time.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has set in
motion necessary arrangements for prosecution of offenders under
the Terrorism Prevention Act.

Under Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Act, which became law in
2011 and got amended for greater effectiveness in 2013,
terrorism-related offences, including harbouring or facilitating
offenders, attracts sanctions including jail terms ranging from 10
to 20 years.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo first dropped hint of government’s
intention to henceforth deal with authors of hate speech after a
coalition of Arewa youth organoffendersizations gave Igbo residing
in the north until October 1 to move out of the area.

President Muhammadu Buhari backed the move on Tuesday when he
directed the security agencies to go after those threatening the
nation’s unity through hate speeches.

The quit notice was withdrawn on Thursday by its authors.

Speaking with our correspondent in Abuja, the spokesman of the
Nigeria Police Force, Moshood Jimoh, said IGP Idris had already
mapped out an action plan in addition to giving firm directives to
top police chiefs for implementation of the new law across the
federation.

Jimoh said: “Dealing with various aspects of the issue of hate
speech dissemination on social media is essentially the
responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.

“This is because such an act is criminal in nature and the
police has jurisdiction over criminal matters.

“The IGP has put in place an action plan towards dealing with
this effectively.

“The aim of the police force is to ensure that anybody who
engages in the use or dissemination of hate speeches is arrested
and prosecuted.

“It does not matter whether they disseminate it through social
media or through the conventional mass media like radio, television
or any other media.

“They are culpable of an offence and they will be prosecuted,”
Jimoh stated.

Waving off questions about the likely treatment of various
interest groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and
their counterparts in the North and South-West, he emphasised that
there would not be any selective treatment of offenders, as the law
is no respecter of persons.

“No organisation or individual is exempted. Anyone who infringes
the law should be prepared for arrest or other consequences,” he
said.

Giving further insight into the arrangements made by the police
to ensure strict implementation of its action plan against hate
speech, Jimoh said: “The IGP has directed all Assistant Inspectors
General (AIGs) of Police and all Commissioners of Police across
Nigeria, including those in charge of commands or in charge of
zones, to ensure that anybody in any state who goes ahead to issue
hate speech is promptly arrested and prosecuted.

“You may recall that the Vice President had made it clear to
everyone that hate speech is like terrorism. Thus, we are going to
charge offenders under the Terrorism Prevention Act, and people
should be forewarned that it is a grievous offence to infringe on
the provisions of such laws.”

Evans faces trial soon
Giving an update on police investigation of suspected kidnapper,
Evans, the Force spokesman said everything was going on according
to expectations.

Jimoh said: “Investigation is being rounded off. The three
months given us by the court to remand him in police custody has
not lapsed.

“From available indications, it is likely that he will be taken
to the court before the expiration of the three-month period.”