A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially declared the Lakurawa sect a terrorist organisation, marking a decisive step towards curbing the group’s activities that have plagued communities in Nigeria’s north-west and north-central regions.
Justice James Omotosho issued the proscription order while ruling on an ex parte originating summons filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, detailed the group’s violent activities and threats to national security.
The Lakurawa sect, notorious for its brutal attacks, gained infamy in November 2024 when its members invaded Mera village in Kebbi State, killing over 15 residents and leaving many injured.
The sect has also been implicated in cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, attacks on government officials and security personnel, and propagating ideologies that undermine constituted authorities.
In the affidavit supporting the summons, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, outlined the group’s acts of terrorism. Akawu noted that the Lakurawa sect’s activities, which include mass abductions, sexual violence, and destruction of property, have caused significant harm to citizens and posed a grave threat to national peace and security.
“The Lakurawa sect/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, etc.,” the affidavit stated.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Omotosho 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 of Nigeria, as acts of terrorism and illegality.”
The judge also issued an order proscribing the group and all individuals or organisations affiliated with it.
The proscription applies to any groups or individuals engaging in similar activities, including banditry, mass abduction, rape, and wanton destruction of lives and property.
Justice Omotosho directed that the proscription be published in the official gazette and two national dailies to ensure public awareness.
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