Update on NBM Lawsuit Against Edo Govt

Court Adjourns NBM of Africa’s Fundamental Rights Suit Against Edo Government to November 26

The Federal High Court sitting in Benin has adjourned the hearing in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the NBM of Africa, a Pan-African organisation, against the Edo State Government and others, to November 26, 2025.

The case stems from the demolition of the organisation’s multi-billion naira National Secretariat in Benin, which the Edo State Government linked to alleged cult-related activities. The NBM has described the demolition as malicious and unlawful, insisting it violated its fundamental human rights.

At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to the applicants, Prince Eze Nwauwa, informed Justice Chukwu Obiozor that they had filed an application for stay of further proceedings pending an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, against an earlier ruling that joined a fourth respondent, Barr. A.A. Orunkoya (popularly known as Tony Masaka), to the case.

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Nwauwa explained that despite the 3rd respondent filing a counter-affidavit since July 2025, it has not served the applicants, complicating the process. He noted that efforts to serve the Police (the 3rd respondent) through the Edo State Command were referred to Abuja headquarters, creating delays.

Counsel to the 1st respondent (H.A. Bello, SAN), 2nd respondent (C.C. Chinedu, Esq.), and 4th respondent (Sylvester Ogbe, Esq.) did not oppose the adjournment request, while the Police and its counsel were absent from court.

Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Nwauwa said the adjournment was necessary to allow proper service and pave the way for the Court of Appeal to hear their motion.

“What happened today in court is expected. We asked for a stay of proceedings to allow us move to the Court of Appeal. One of the parties wasn’t served, so the court in its wisdom adjourned the matter to November 26,” he said.

The lead counsel to NBM of Africa, Barr. Raphel Chukwuzube, also expressed confidence in the judiciary, insisting the applicants have a strong case.

“In further pursuit of justice against the illegal demolition of NBM of Africa’s National Secretariat, we sought a stay of proceedings. The application could not proceed today because one party wasn’t served. But we remain confident — this is a court of justice, and we believe we will get justice because we have a valid case,” Chukwuzube said.

The adjournment allows all respondents to be properly served before the next hearing.