A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially declared the Lakurawa sect a terrorist organization, issuing a proscription order that prohibits its activities across Nigeria. The ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, also extends to other groups with similar objectives, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions of the country.
The court’s decision came in response to an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. In his ruling, Justice Omotosho emphasized the gravity of the sect’s activities, ordering the proscription and publication of the declaration in the Official Gazette as well as two national newspapers.
“The activities of the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups are hereby declared acts of terrorism and illegality,” the court declared.
This landmark ruling also applies to individuals or groups involved in activities associated with the sect, including banditry, kidnapping, mass abduction, cattle rustling, sexual violence, and attacks on communities.
The Attorney-General’s office, through David Kaswe, an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, had filed the motion on January 14, supporting the application with testimonies highlighting the sect’s direct involvement in violent crimes. Michael Akawu, a deponent for the AGF, described the Lakurawa sect as a severe national security threat, underscoring its role in fostering violence and destabilizing public order.
“The activities of the Lakurawa sect have caused harm, injuries, and loss of lives and property, posing a grave danger to public peace and order,” Akawu asserted.
In its judgment, the court ruled that the Lakurawa sect meets all the criteria set forth under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, thus justifying the proscription order. The ruling marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and related crimes, with far-reaching implications for security operations and legal actions against extremist groups.