The Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa has condemned the demolition of its International Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, by the state government.
In a statement signed by Chief Ese Kakor and Chief Kelvin Agbroko, National President and Secretary respectively, the body decried the action of Edo State Government, noting that, such unconstitutional and ultra vires decision contradicted provisions of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, considering the fact that the organisation was a duly registered entity.
The organisation described the action as an abuse of power and a violation of its rights.
The NBM of Africa is a registered Non-Governmental Organisation that carries out humanitarian services, protects, preserves, and promotes African culture.
The organisation’s International Secretariat, which was completed in 2022, comprised a 2000-capacity event center, a 20-room accommodation facility, fully furnished offices, a skill acquisition center, and is fully air-conditioned.
The Edo State Government demolished the secretariat on April 30, 2025, without prior notice, citing Section 7 of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025.
The NBM of Africa argued that this law contravenes the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NBM of Africa has condemned the demolition, describing it as unconstitutional and ultra vires.
The organisation is exploring all legal means to remedy the wrong and seek redress.
The NBM of Africa has also emphasised its commitment to humanitarian services and African unity.
The organisation has carried out numerous humanitarian services, including: visiting and distributing palliatives to victims of the 2023 flood disaster in 13 states in Nigeria, donating N2 million to victims of the St. Francis Catholic Church terrorist attack in Owo, Ondo State, visiting IDP camps and donating palliatives and cash to victims.
It added, ”The organisation has carried out over 6000 humanitarian services around the world, which includes visiting and distributing palliatives worth N150 million to victims of the flood disaster that ravaged 13 states in Nigeria in 2023, namely Edo, Imo, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Abia, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Nassarawa states, ” the statement said.
“In 2022, the sum of two million naira was also given to the victims of the St. Francis Catholic Church terrorist attack at Owo, Ondo State.
”In 2024, the organisation visited the Okuama IDP camp situated at Ewu, Delta State, where the sum of two million naira and palliatives worth over N15 million were given to the victims.
”In 2024, the organisation visited and shared palliatives worth over N15 million and a cash donation of five million naira to the Maiduguri flood victims”
The NBM of Africa has filed a case of fundamental right action at the Federal High Court in Benin against the Edo State Government.
The organisation is seeking justice and redress for the demolition of its International Secretariat.
“” The organisation is exploring all legal means to remedy the wrong and seek redress over the unjustifiable and barbaric actions of the Edo State Government.
”NBM of Africa is a law-abiding organisation with over three million members, including senior citizens, professionals, captains of industry, businessmen, civil servants, and politicians.
”The organisation does not accommodate or harbor criminals. The Neo Black Movement is not a criminal organisation.
”We have repeatedly informed the public that the Neo Black Movement is not Black Axe and has never been known as Black Axe; thus, the name should not be used interchangeably with Black Axe.
”The Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa is not a cult group. The organisation is a body dedicated to African unity, ” the statement said.
