Court proscribes Lakurawa sect, says it’s terrorist group

A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially proscribed the Lakurawa sect, declaring it a terrorist organization following an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling, ordered the prohibition of the group’s activities across Nigeria, particularly in the North West and North Central regions, citing their involvement in terrorism-related acts.

“It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order is 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 ruled.

The court also mandated the publication of the proscription in the Official Gazette and two national newspapers. It further prohibited any individual or group from engaging in activities associated with the sect or any similar organizations operating under different names.

The ruling highlighted that the proscription extends to groups involved in banditry, mass abductions, kidnapping for ransom or marriage, cattle rustling, torture, sexual violence, and destruction of lives and properties.

An Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, David Kaswe, moved the motion, which was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (PPF), M.B. Abubakar. In support of the application, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the PPF Department, stated that the sect’s activities include cattle rustling, kidnapping, attacks on government officials and security personnel, and promoting disregard for constituted authorities.

“These acts have caused harm, injuries, and loss of lives and properties to innocent citizens of Nigeria. The activities of the Lakurawa sect pose a significant threat to national security, public peace, and order in Nigeria,” Akawu stated in the affidavit.

Akawu emphasized that the group meets the criteria for proscription under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and that the action is in the interest of national security.