Court proscribes Lakurawa sect as terrorist organisation

The Lakurawa sect has been prescribed and classified as a terrorist organisation by a ruling issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

This was after the Federal Government filed through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, filed an ex-parte application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025 to the effect.

The ruling reads,“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 (2) 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 ali other groups in Nigeria by whatever name called with similar objectives as the Lakurawa which Include but 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.”

Also, Mr. Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), FG accused the Lakurawa sect/group of acts of terrorism, including cattle rusting, kidnapping for ransom, hostage taking, attack on top government officials, attack on security personnel.

He also told the court that the sect engages in propagation of their ideology to the local communities, encouraging the locals to disregard constituted authorities, within Nigeria.

“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 said.