A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially declared the Lakurawa sect a terrorist group and issued a proscription order, effectively banning its activities across Nigeria.
This ruling follows the group’s involvement in several violent attacks, including the notorious Mera village assault in Kebbi State, where over 15 people were killed in November.
The court order, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, applies to the north-west and north-central regions, areas where the group has been most active.
The judgment came after an ex parte originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, filed by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The application was supported by an affidavit from Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Ministry of Justice, detailing the sect’s involvement in terrorism, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and attacks on government officials and security personnel.
Justice Omotosho’s ruling declared the sect’s actions as terrorism, directly threatening national security, public peace, and order.
The court’s proscription order also extends to any groups with similar objectives, including banditry, kidnapping, mass abduction, and other violent acts.
This ruling is a significant move by the government to curb the growing threat posed by terrorist organizations in the affected regions, with the court stressing that the sect’s name and activities will be published in the official gazette and national dailies.
The government has urged Nigerians to stay alert and report suspicious activities to aid in the fight against terrorism.
The court declared:
“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, as acts of terrorism and illegality.”
“An order is hereby made proscribing the existence of the Lakurawa sect and similar groups, either in groups or as individuals, by whatsoever names they are called, and publishing the proscription in the official gazette and two national dailies.”
“An order is hereby made proscribing all groups with similar objectives, including banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, mass abductions, sexual violence, and other forms of terrorism.”
The Lakurawa sect gained national attention late last year due to its brutal attacks on rural communities, leaving a trail of destruction, deaths, and displaced families.
The federal government’s successful proscription of the group is seen as a significant step toward addressing insecurity in the affected regions.
Authorities have urged citizens to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant, as efforts to dismantle terrorist groups across Nigeria continue.