U.K. to ban Boko Haram, Minibar Ansar-Deen’s operation in Britain

Boko Haram operates from Nigeria.

The United Kingdom is set to ban two “radical Islamist” groups, Minibar Ansar Deen, and Boko Haram, from operating in Britain.

While Boko Haram operates from Nigeria, Minbar Ansar-Deen, also known as Ansar al-Sharia, is based in the U.K.

Home Secretary, Theresa May, on Monday asked for the two radical Islamist organisations to be banned under terrorism laws. If the motion is approved by Parliament, both will be banned from operating in the U.K. from Friday, the Home Office said.

If the two groups are banned, it will be illegal for a person to support or become a member of either group, to arrange meetings or wear clothing in support of them. Offenders could face fines of up to £5,000 (N1.2 million) and 10 years in prison.

The Home Office has not yet offered further information on why it is pursuing the ban of both groups, but analysts believed banning the groups would give the police powers to tackle their support networks.

A similar action by the U.S. in 2012 also saw to the ban of three top Boko Haram members who were tagged international terrorists.

(NAN)