A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, has pronounced the Lakurawa sect a terrorist organisation and proscribed its existence across the country.
The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, also extends to other groups with similar objectives, particularly in the North-west and North-central regions.
The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application, FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
In the ruling, Justice Omotosho ordered the proscription of the Lakurawa sect and directed the publication of the declaration in the Official Gazette and two national newspapers.
“The activities of the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups are hereby declared acts of terrorism and illegality”.
The court ruled that the group met the criteria for proscription under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The proscription order also applies to individuals or groups engaging in activities linked to the sect under any guise, including banditry, kidnapping, mass abduction, cattle rustling, sexual violence, and attacks on communities.
David Kaswe, an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, moved the motion filed on January 14 on behalf of the AGF. Supporting the application, Michael Akawu, a deponent, described the Lakurawa sect as a significant threat to national security, citing its involvement in violent crimes and disregard for constituted authority.
Lakurawa group had been involved in acts of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage taking, attack on top government officials, attack on security personnel, propagation of their ideology to the local communities, encouraging the locals to disregard constituted authorities, amongst other activities within Nigeria.
The acts have posed significant threat to national security, public peace and order, including injuries and loss of lives and properties to innocent citizens of Nigeria.