The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order proscribing the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups operating in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North West and North Central regions.
The decision was delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho in response to a motion ex-parte filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The AGF, in an application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, sought the proscription under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The motion, moved by an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, David Kaswe, was filed on January 14, 2025, with supporting evidence presented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar.
In the affidavit submitted, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer with the Department of Public Prosecutions, stated that the Lakurawa sect met the criteria for designation as a terrorist organization. He provided evidence linking the group to acts of terrorism, including:
Cattle rustling
Kidnapping for ransom
Hostage-taking
Attacks on government officials and security personnel
Dissemination of their ideology to local communities
Incitement of locals to disregard constituted authorities
Justice Omotosho, after reviewing the evidence, granted the proscription order, effectively declaring the sect and similar groups as terrorist organizations.
“That these acts have caused harm, injuries and loss of lives and properties to innocent citizens of Nigeria.
“That the activities of the Lakurawa sect/group pose a significant threat to national security, public peace and order in Nigeria,” he added.
Akawu said it would be in the overall interest of justice, peace and security of the country to proscribe the Lakurawa Sect/group.
The court granted reliefs sought, declaring Lakurawa and other similar groups terrorist organisations
Justice Omotosho said, “It is hereby ordered as follows- that 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.
“That 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.
“That an order is hereby made proscribing any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities evolving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the Lakurawa under any other name or platform however called or described.
“That an order is hereby made proscribing all other groups in Nigeria by whatever name called with similar objectives as the Lakurawa which Include but are not limited to banditry, kidnapping for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abduction of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings n communities, commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria.”