…’Declaration won’t change anything’ – Sheikh Gumi
A Federal High Court, in Abuja, has declared the activities linked to acts of banditry and kidnapping in the country as acts of terrorism and illegality.
The presiding judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who made the declaration, said that groups such as ‘Yan-Bindiga (gunmen) and ‘Yan Ta’adda (bandits) operating anywhere in the country should be declared as terrorists.
The judge was acting on an ex-parte motion filed by the Federal Government.
According to the Director, Public Prosecution, (DPP), Mohammed Abubakar, President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for the proscription of the ‘yan bindiga‘ and ‘yan ta’adda‘ groups and other terrorist groups in the country.
The Federal Government said activities of such groups, as well as other similar groups, constituted acts of terrorism, which could lead to a breakdown of public order and safety.
It further said the groups represented a threat to national security and the corporate existence of the nation.
In his ruling, Justice Taiwo, stated that activities of the gunmen and bandits and other similar groups in any part of the country, especially in the North-West and the North-Central regions should be regarded as ‘acts of terrorism and illegality’.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo, therefore, proscribed the activities of the groups as well as other similar groups in any part of the country, irrespective of their names, but whose activities and objectives are similar to those of ‘yan bindiga and ‘yan ta’adda groups, either in groups or as individuals, by whatever names they are called.
Meanwhile, Kaduna-based renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said changing their name will not change anything, describing the FG’s declaration as ‘a mere political expediency plan’.
This is contained in an issued statement by Tukur Mamu, the media consultant to Sheikh Gumi.
