Inspector-General of Police, 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 organoffendersisations gave Igbo residing in the north until October 1 to move out of the area.

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

The quit notice was withdrawn by its authors.

Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh said 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 was essentially the responsibility of the police, saying this was because such an act was criminal in nature and the police had jurisdiction over criminal matters.

He said Idris had put in place an action plan towards dealing with this effectively, saying the aim of the police force was to ensure anybody who engages in the use or dissemination of hate speeches was arrested and prosecuted.

According to him, it does not matter whether they disseminate it through social media or through the conventional mass media like radio, television or any other media, saying if they were culpable of an offence, they would be prosecuted.

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.

He said no organisation or individual was exempted, saying anyone who infringes the law should be prepared for arrest or other consequences.

Giving further insight into the arrangements made by the police to ensure strict implementation of its action plan against hate speech, Jimoh said Idris had directed all Assistant Inspectors General of Police and all Commissioners of Police across Nigeria, including those in charge of commands or in charge of zones, to ensure anybody in any state who goes ahead to issue hate speech was promptly arrested and prosecuted.