By Sunday Apah
The Federal High Court in Benin has commenced proceedings in the lawsuit brought forth by the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa against Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The suit alleges unlawful trespass and the unauthorized demolition of the NBM’s national secretariat, located at the Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre, Arena Way, Amagba, Benin City, Edo State.
A 28-member legal team from NBM, led by Chief Reginald Asiuwhu, filed the lawsuit on June 4, seeking both justice and compensation for what they term significant violations of their constitutional rights to freedom of association, as well as the illegal destruction of their property.
The Edo State Government is represented by prominent attorneys including Steve Okuro, O.C. Igbinedion, C.C. Chinedu, and H.A. Bello, SAN.
In a court session held on Thursday, H.A. Bello SAN, leading the defense for the Edo State Government, contended that the third defendant in the suit had not been appropriately served with the necessary court documents.
Justice Chukwu Obiozor requested proof of service from NBM’s legal team; however, they were unable to provide it, attributing the issue to a misplaced document.
As a result, Justice Obiozor postponed the case until June 16, 2025, encouraging both parties to prepare thoroughly with all necessary documentation and to follow legal protocols closely.
Outside the courtroom, Chief Reginald Asiuwhu expressed his unwavering confidence in the movement’s case.
He stated, “NBM of Africa is a charitable, non-governmental organization that had its secretariat wrongfully demolished by the Edo State Government.”
“As a responsible government, there should be a valid court order before any property demolition is carried out. This reckless act is what brings us here today to challenge and declare such actions unconstitutional.”
Asiuwhu contended that the characterization of the group as a “cult organization” is defamatory, libelous, and constitutes a sweeping accusation that ignores legal due process.
He added, “Even if there are individuals with misconduct within the organization, it does not taint the entire group. NBM operates like any registered organization in Nigeria and is officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in accordance with Nigerian law.”
He also suggested that if the government had concerns, they should have consulted security footage to review activities at the NBM secretariat before taking further legal action.
Describing the demolished secretariat as a “large, well-furnished building” that also served as a community venue for social events, he questioned how such a structure could be demolished without forewarning, allowing any opportunity to salvage items, or providing a fair hearing. “The Edo State Government will bear the consequences of their actions. This will be the final unlawful demolition they undertake,” he asserted, emphasizing that the state would face repercussions.
“As we fight for NBM, we are also standing up for all registered organizations that may be threatened in the future.”
Dr. Sir Chukwudi Ijeoma, President of NBM of Africa Upper South East, expressed, “We are here to contest this unlawful demolition. We are a recognized organization, and the government should acknowledge that.”
The NBM of Africa is taking legal action against what it views as an infringement of its fundamental human rights due to the demolition of its international secretariat.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Edo State Government have refrained from commenting on the ongoing case.
It is noteworthy that on April 30, 2025, the Edo State Government dispatched bulldozers and personnel to the organization’s international secretariat to demolish the entire structure without any prior notice.
