From Ben Dunno, Warri
The Federal High Court, Benin, has commenced hearing into the case filed by a philanthropic group, Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, against Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, over alleged unlawful trespass and illegal demolition of its national secretariat, situated at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre 7, Arena Way, Amagba, Benin City, Edo State.
NBM’s 28-man legal team, led by Chief Reginald Asiuwhu, filed a suit on Wednesday, June 4, seeking justice and adequate compensation for what they described as the Edo State Government’s gross violations of their constitutional rights to freedom of association and illegal destruction of their property.
Representing the Edo State Government in the case were prominent lawyers Steve Okuro, O. C. Igbinedion, C. C. Chinedu, and H. A. Bello, SAN.
During Thursday’s court session, the Edo State Government’s legal team, led by H. A. Bello, SAN, argued that the third defendant in the suit had not yet been properly served with court papers.
Justice Chukwu Obiozor then requested evidence of service from the NBM lawyers, but they were unable to produce it, citing a misplaced document.
Consequently, Justice Obiozor adjourned the case to Monday, June 16, 2025, urging both parties to come prepared with complete documentation and to adhere strictly to legal procedures.
Outside the courtroom, Chief Reginald Asiuwhu expressed strong confidence in the movement’s case.
According to him, “NBM of Africa is a charitable, non-governmental organisation whose secretariat was illegally demolished by the Edo State Government.”
“Before any responsible government demolishes any property, there must be a court order. This reckless act is why we are here to challenge and declare it unconstitutional.”
Asiuwhu argued that labelling the group as a “cult organisation” was defamatory, libellous, and a blanket accusation that failed to respect due process.
He said, “Assuming, without conceding, that there are a few bad eggs in the organisation, it doesn’t make the entire organisation a bad one. The organisation is like every other organisation in Nigeria. After all, NBM is properly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in line with Nigerian law.”
He added, “If the government had concerns, they should have reached out to the security cameras to check the activities within and around the NBM secretariat before taking any other legal steps.”
The NBM lawyer described the demolished secretariat as a “gigantic, well-furnished building” that also served the community for social events. “How then could they demolish it without notice, without giving us a chance to salvage anything, and without any fair hearing?” he queried.
He continued, “Edo State Government will pay heavily for what they have done. This will be the last illegal demolition they carry out,” insisting that the Edo State Government would face consequences.
“We are not just fighting for NBM but for all registered organisations that could be targeted in the future.”
Dr Sir Chukwudi Ijeoma, President of NBM of Africa Upper South East, said, “We came here to challenge this illegal demolition. We are a registered organisation, and the government should recognise that.”
The NBM of Africa is challenging the illegal demolition of its international secretariat, which it describes as a violation of its fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the Edo State Government declined to comment on the case.
It is recalled that on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Edo State Government mobilised bulldozers and its staff to the international secretariat of the organisation to carry out the demolition of the entire building without prior notice.
