By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
The Federal High Court in Benin has commenced hearing in the lawsuit filed by the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa against the Edo State Government over the alleged unlawful demolition of its national secretariat located at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre 7, Arena Way, Amagba, Benin City.
The suit names Governor Monday Okpebholo as a key defendant, alongside other officials, over what NBM describes as the illegal trespass and destruction of its property.
A 28-member legal team led by Chief Reginald Asiuwhu filed the case on June 4, 2025, seeking redress and compensation for what it terms a gross violation of its constitutional rights to freedom of association and ownership of property.
Representing the Edo State Government in court were prominent lawyers Steve Okuro, O.C. Igbinedion, C.C. Chinedu, and H.A. Bello SAN.
At Thursday’s court session, the Edo State Government’s legal team, led by Bello SAN, argued that the third defendant had not yet been properly served with court papers. Justice Chukwu Obiozor requested proof of service from NBM’s lawyers, but they were unable to provide it, citing a misplaced document.
Justice Obiozor consequently adjourned the case to June 16, 2025, directing both parties to come prepared with complete documentation and to strictly adhere to legal procedures.
Outside the courtroom, Chief Asiuwhu expressed strong confidence in NBM’s case.
“NBM of Africa is a charitable, non-governmental organization whose secretariat was illegally demolished by the Edo State Government,” he stated. “Before any responsible government demolishes any property, there must be a valid court order. This reckless act is why we are here—to challenge and have it declared unconstitutional.”
Asiuwhu also criticized the government’s labeling of NBM as a “cult organization,” calling it defamatory and unjust.
“Assuming, without conceding, that there are a few bad eggs in the organization, it does not make the entire organization bad. NBM is properly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in line with Nigerian law,” he emphasized.
He argued that the government should have reviewed security footage of the NBM secretariat before taking any drastic action.
He described the demolished building as a “gigantic, well-furnished structure” that also served the community for social events. “How could they demolish it without notice, without giving us a chance to salvage anything, and without any fair hearing?” he asked.
He concluded, “The Edo State Government will pay heavily for what they have done. This will be the last illegal demolition they carry out. We are not just fighting for NBM but for all registered organizations that might be targeted in the future.”
Dr. Sir Chukwudi Ijeoma, President of NBM of Africa Upper South East, also weighed in: “We came here to challenge this illegal demolition. We are a registered organization, and the government should recognize that,” he said.
The NBM of Africa is challenging the demolition of its international secretariat as a violation of its fundamental human rights.
Lawyers representing the Edo State Government declined to comment on the case.
It will be recalled that on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Edo State Government allegedly mobilized bulldozers and staff to the international secretariat of the organization to carry out the demolition of the entire building without prior notice.