Federal High Court Declares Lakurawa Sect a Terrorist Organization in Landmark Ruling

By Achimi muktar

In a decisive move to curb escalating insecurity, the Federal High Court in Abuja has officially proscribed the Lakurawa sect and labeled it a terrorist organization. This landmark ruling, delivered yesterday by Justice James Omotosho, underscores the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and safeguarding national security.

The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Justice Omotosho granted all four orders sought by the AGF, effectively banning the Lakurawa sect and similar groups across Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest and Northcentral regions.

Key Highlights of the Court’s Ruling

The ruling, which was also ordered to be published in the Official Gazette and two national newspapers, declared the following:

Terrorism and Illegality: The court labeled the activities of the Lakurawa sect, including banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, as acts of terrorism and declared them illegal.

Proscription: The existence of the Lakurawa sect and similar groups in any part of Nigeria was outlawed.

Participation Ban: Any involvement with the Lakurawa sect or related groups, under any guise or name, was prohibited.

Comprehensive Ban on Related Activities: The ruling extended to groups engaging in acts such as mass abduction, sexual violence, enforced prostitution, attacks on communities, and destruction of lives and property.

The Attorney-General’s Standpoint

The AGF’s application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, detailed the sect’s violent activities, including cattle rustling, mass abductions, and attacks on both security personnel and government officials.

David Kaswe, Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, argued that the group’s actions posed a grave threat to public peace, national security, and the lives of innocent Nigerians.

“The Lakurawa sect’s activities have caused immense harm, injuries, and loss of lives and property to innocent citizens. Their operations directly challenge the authority of the state and disrupt public order,” Kaswe noted.

A Looming Threat

In an affidavit submitted to the court, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions, emphasized that the sect met the criteria for proscription under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

He detailed how the group propagates its ideology to local communities, encourages defiance of constituted authorities, and engages in acts of terrorism that have destabilized several regions of the country.

A Turning Point for National Security

This ruling marks a significant step in the government’s effort to combat terrorism. By formally recognizing the Lakurawa sect as a terrorist organization, the Federal High Court has sent a clear message about Nigeria’s zero-tolerance approach to violence and insecurity.

The decision also sets a legal precedent for swift action against other groups with similar objectives, signaling a broader strategy to restore peace and security across the nation.