3 hours ago
5 ARTICLE AD
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, made an order proscribing the Lakurawa sect.
The court also proscribed other similar groups in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North-West and North Central regions of the country.
Justice James Omotosho made the declaration while delivering a ruling in a motion ex parte originating summons filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The AGF, in an ex-parte application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, approached the court seeking four orders.
An Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, David Kaswe, moved the motion dated January 13 and filed on January 14 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar.
In the affidavit in support of the originating summons, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Michael Akawu, said he had the consent of the director of PPF to make the averments.
Akawu averred that he had reasonable grounds to believe that the Lakurawa sect/group met the criteria for proscription as a terrorist group under the Terrorism (Prevent and Prohibition) Act.
He added that the group had been involved in acts of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage taking, attack on top government officials, attack on security personnel, propagation of their ideology to the local communities, encouraging the locals to disregard constituted authorities, etc 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.”
Akawu said it would be in the overall interest of justice, peace and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to proscribe the Lakurawa sect/group.
The court granted reliefs sought, declaring Lakurawa and other similar groups terrorist organisations.
Justice Omotosho held: “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 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 all 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.”
The Lakurawa sect, said to have infiltrated Nigeria from neighbouring Niger and Mali, has become a major concern in recent times, following killings in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Initially emerging around 2016 or 2017 in Sokoto State, the sect began as a self-defence militia invited by local leaders to combat escalating banditry.
Over time, they evolved into a radical faction, imposing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities.
Their activities have expanded into Kebbi State, where they have been involved in violent attacks, including a ghastly operation in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, resulting in multiple deaths and cattle rustling.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters identified Lakurawa as a terrorist group affiliated with extremist elements from Mali and Niger, exacerbating insecurity in the northwestern region.
Ganduje seeks military intervention
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, advocated military intervention to flush out criminal elements from some notorious blackspots and forests in the North on Thursday.
Ganduje made the appeal during a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the former Kano governor emphasised that only proactive and decisive measures could successfully free the region from the strong grip of bandits.
He urged the military to deploy a similar offensive strategy he used to eliminate criminal activities and transformed the popular Falgore forest into a military training ground during his tenure as governor.
Ganduje said, “I am advocating for military intervention in these forests. The solution to this menace is to conquer the forest. The bandits are in the forest. Why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive?
“When I was the governor of Kano State, I requested, through the Federal Government, that the military take over Falgore forest and built a military training ground there. That was how bandits were chased away from that forest and Kano is at peace.”
Among other things, Ganduje praised the efforts of Bago in maintaining peace in his state despite its vast landmass and numerous forests.
He also condoled with the governor over the tragic petrol tanker explosion that claimed the lives of over 80 persons and left several other victims hospitalised.
“We are here to pray for our friend, brother and condole with the families of the deceased and the injured ones.
“We appreciate how you keep Niger State safe because Niger State has the largest land mass and with the highest numbers of forest in the country, which is a herculean task to keep the peace within its environs,” he stated.
Reacting, Bago appreciated the APC leadership for its solidarity and urged the Federal Government to further address critical infrastructure, such as the Suleja-Minna road to reduce accidents and improve safety in the state.
He said, “On behalf of the Niger people, we appreciate this visit. We are doing a lot to create awareness among our people about the dangers of scooping fuel whenever such an accident occurs.”
