A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially declared the Lakurawa sect a terrorist group and has issued an order proscribing the sect along with other similar groups operating in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the north-west and north-central regions.
The Lakurawa sect became notorious following a string of violent attacks, including a November assault on Mera village in Kebbi State that left over 15 people dead and several injured.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling while addressing an ex parte originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. David Kaswe, an assistant director in the federal ministry of justice, presented the application.
In an affidavit accompanying the summons, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the department of public prosecutions, detailed the group’s alleged activities, stating, “The Lakurawa sect/group had been involved in acts of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage-taking, attacks on top government officials, attacks on security personnel, propagation of their ideology to local communities, encouraging the locals to disregard constituted authorities, etc., within Nigeria.”
Akawu added, “These acts have caused harm, injuries, and loss of lives and properties to innocent citizens of Nigeria. The activities of the Lakurawa sect/group pose a significant threat to national security, public peace, and order in Nigeria.”
He argued that the sect met the criteria for proscription under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated, “An order is hereby made declaring the activities of the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, especially in the north-west and north-central regions of Nigeria, as acts of terrorism and illegality.”
The court further ordered, “An order is hereby made proscribing the existence of the Lakurawa and other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, especially in the north-west and north-central regions of Nigeria, either in groups or as individuals by whatsoever names they are called and publishing same in the official gazette and two national dailies.”
Additionally, the judge declared that no person or group should participate in any activities related to the objectives of the Lakurawa sect. He also expanded the proscription to include other groups with similar objectives, which encompass crimes such as banditry, mass abduction, cattle rustling, torture, rape, and wanton destruction of lives and property across the country.