NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, issued an order proscribing the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups operating in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North Central regions.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling in response to an ex parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
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The application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, was presented by David Kaswe, an Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions, outlined the sect’s activities, which include: Cattle rustling, Kidnapping for ransom, Hostage-taking; Attacks on government officials and security personnel, Spreading radical ideology to local communities, Encouraging defiance of constituted authorities.
Akawu emphasized that these acts have caused significant harm, loss of lives, and destruction of properties, posing a grave threat to national security and public peace.
He argued that proscribing the sect and similar groups was essential for Nigeria’s safety and security.
Justice Omotosho granted the reliefs sought and issued the following orders:
1. Declaring the activities of the Lakurawa sect and similar groups in any part of Nigeria as acts of terrorism.
2. Proscribing the existence of Lakurawa and similar groups, whether as individuals or organizations, under any name or platform.
3. Mandating the publication of the proscription order in the Official Gazette and two national dailies.
4. Banning participation in any activities associated with the Lakurawa sect or similar groups.
5. Proscribing other groups involved in acts such as banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other forms of violence.
The Lakurawa sect reportedly infiltrated Nigeria from Niger and Mali and has been a significant security concern since its emergence in Sokoto State around 2016 or 2017.
Initially formed as a self-defense militia to combat banditry, the group evolved into a radical faction, enforcing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities.
Their activities have spread to Kebbi State, where they carried out violent attacks, including a notorious operation in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, which resulted in multiple deaths and cattle rustling.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters identified Lakurawa as a terrorist organization with links to extremist elements from Mali and Niger, exacerbating insecurity in the northwestern region.