From Moshood Karim
The Federal High Court sitting in Benin has adjourned to 16 June 2025 the hearing of a human rights case filed by the NBM of Africa against the Governor of Edo State, over the alleged unlawful demolition of the group’s secretariat.
The case, marked FHC/13/CS/48/2025, came up for mention on Tuesday, 4 June, with both parties making initial submissions before the court.
The NBM of Africa is contending that the demolition of its Benin secretariat constitutes a breach of its members’ fundamental rights. Leading the applicants’ legal team was Chief Reginald Asiuwhu, supported by 26 other lawyers, including Raphael Chukwuzubelu, Ikem Onyeka, C.E. Ojotule, and S.W. Onoghwiegbe.
Other members of the extensive legal delegation included Emmanuel Atowo, Chikwado Peter Enyigwe, Magnus Urueshone, Udoudom Christian, Tsaku Ayaka Michael, Emeka Kingsley Anueyiagu, Peter Ajonye Samuel, Tobenna Kingsley Nwokwu, C.O. Ekumankama, O.J. Edegba, E.O. Uhunamure, L.O. Eze, H.J. Momodu, Uwa Okoh, Paul Badairi, E. Ehijele, Emeka Chigbo, Irunoje Garuba, A. Akhere, L. Omorodion, A.C. Okhademeh, and Mrs I.J. Andrew Imiefoh.
On the defendants’ side, the Edo State Governor was represented by a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, H.A. Bello, alongside J.E. Ogagaworia. The second defendant appeared through counsel O.C. Igbinedion, while the third defendant was unrepresented at the hearing.
A court bailiff confirmed that all parties had been served, though he admitted the proof of service on the third defendant had been misplaced. Both the Governor and the second defendant acknowledged they had received service but stated that they were only recently briefed by their respective clients. Mr Bello, SAN, told the court he had only been formally briefed on 3 June 2025, despite the notice of service being issued as far back as 23 May.
The presiding judge expressed dissatisfaction with the delay from the defence side, warning against any further postponements. He issued a firm directive for all processes and responses to be filed ahead of the next sitting, which he declared would proceed without fail on 16 June 2025.
Speaking with reporters after the court session, a representative of the NBM of Africa said the group expects justice from the judiciary. “We believe the court will protect the rights of our members and check what we see as an abuse of power,” the representative stated.
The case is set to continue with a definite hearing later this month. Uptown Press had earlier reported that, on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, the Edo State Government mobilized bulldozers and its staff to the international secretariat of the organisation, situated at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre 7, Arena Way, Amagba, Benin City, to carry out the demolition of the entire building.
In a statement, the government alleged that the demolished building functioned as a hub for the planning and execution of violent attacks across Benin and beyond. “The government cannot allow such structures to exist unchallenged.”
“The demolition was a lawful response based on intelligence executed in accordance with the Anti-cultism law passed by the Edo House of Assembly,” the statement added.
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