Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling declaring the Lakurawa sect a terrorist organization and proscribing its activities across Nigeria.
The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application submitted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho also proscribed other groups with similar activities operating primarily in the North West and North Central regions of the country.
The court order stated that the activities of the Lakurawa sect, along with similar groups, are acts of terrorism and unlawful behavior.
It further declared that these groups, operating under any name or platform, should be banned in Nigeria.
The ruling included several key provisions:
- The proscription of the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups from operating in any part of Nigeria, particularly in the North West and North Central regions.
- The prohibition of individuals or groups from engaging in any activities supporting or promoting the objectives of the Lakurawa sect under any other guise.
- The outlawing of groups with comparable objectives to the Lakurawa sect, including involvement in banditry, kidnapping, mass abductions, cattle rustling, and various forms of violence, including rape, torture, and attacks on communities and security personnel.
The application to the court was presented by Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. David Kaswe, following a motion filed on January 14 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.
In support of the motion, Mr. Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions, submitted an affidavit detailing the sect’s involvement in various criminal acts such as cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage-taking, and attacks on government officials and security personnel.
The federal government argued that the Lakurawa sect’s actions fit the criteria for proscription under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The government emphasized that declaring the sect a terrorist organization would serve the broader interests of national security, justice, and peace within Nigeria.
