Lakurawa Labelled as Terrorists: Key Takeaways from the Court’s Decision
On January 24, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja officially declared the Lakurawa sect a terrorist organization and issued an order proscribing the group across Nigeria. This decision followed an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, ruled that the activities of the Lakurawa sect and similar groups, particularly in Nigeria’s North West and North Central regions, constitute acts of terrorism and illegality. The court’s order prohibits any individual or group from participating in activities related to the Lakurawa sect or any similar organizations involved in acts such as banditry, kidnapping for ransom, mass abduction, and other forms of violence.
The Lakurawa sect is a relatively new militant group known for carrying out attacks targeting local communities. The court’s designation of the group as a terrorist organization allows the Nigerian military and law enforcement agencies to take more decisive action against its members and affiliates.
For more details, you can watch the following news report: