NBM OF AFRICA CONDEMNS DEMOLITION OF BENIN SECRETARIAT
The Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa has strongly condemned the demolition of its International Secretariat in Benin City by the Edo State Government, describing the action as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and an abuse of power. In a lengthy statement signed by its national leaders, Olorogun Ese Kakor and Chief Kelvin Agbroko, the organisation expressed outrage over what it termed “the unlawful destruction of a legally recognized and community-serving property.”
The secretariat, located at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre, Arena Way, Amagba, was reportedly demolished on April 30 by state agents accompanied by armed security personnel. The state government claims its action was rooted in Section 7 of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law of 2025. However, the NBM argues that the demolition runs afoul of several constitutional provisions, including Sections 36, 40, 42, 43, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect property rights and freedom of association.
NBM’s statement described the demolished facility as a major hub for community development and skill empowerment, featuring a 2,000-capacity event center, 20-room accommodation unit, fully functional offices, a skill acquisition centre, and power supply via a dedicated 250kVA generator. It said the centre was constructed to serve the public and had never harbored any form of criminal activity.
The organisation also highlighted its humanitarian contributions, including relief packages worth N150 million to flood victims across 13 states in 2023, aid to terrorism victims in Owo, and palliatives for displaced persons in Delta and Borno States. It accused the government of deliberately targeting the NBM due to misconceptions linking it to the Black Axe cult—an association it strongly denies.
Insisting on its lawful status as a Pan-African cultural and humanitarian body registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission since 1994, NBM said it has approached the Federal High Court in Benin with a case of fundamental rights enforcement against the state government. “This demolition was not only unlawful but also a gross violation of our constitutional rights. We will exhaust every legal avenue to ensure justice is served,” the statement concluded.
